restriction enzyme

American  

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of DNA molecules at specific sites: used for gene splicing in recombinant DNA technology and for chromosome mapping.

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restriction enzyme British  

noun

1. any of several enzymes produced by bacteria as a defence against viral infection and commonly used to cut DNA for genetic manipulation or diagnosis

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Etymology

Origin of restriction enzyme

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Each restriction enzyme can only recognize one base sequence.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2018

Because these overhangs are capable of coming back together by hydrogen bonding with complementary overhangs on a piece of DNA cut with the same restriction enzyme, these are called “sticky ends.”

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

The open-ended nature of the simulation encourages inquiry by enabling users to analyze any DNA sequence, including entire viral or bacterial genomes, with any probe, primer, or restriction enzyme.

From Science Magazine • Jul. 26, 2012

In 1970 Smith published two classic papers that described his discovery of a restriction enzyme produced by the bacterium Hemophilus influenzae and the way it worked.

From Time Magazine Archive

After the plasmids are separated from the chromosomal DNA in a centrifuge, they are placed in a solution with a chemical catalyst called a restriction enzyme.

From Time Magazine Archive