Final answer:
EcoRI cuts DNA at the GAATTC sequence, creating fragments with sticky ends. The number and size of fragments depend on the number of EcoRI sites in the DNA sequence and can be analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When using the restriction endonuclease EcoRI, it recognizes and cuts the DNA at the specific sequence GAATTC, creating DNA fragments with sticky ends. These sticky ends can be used to ligate the cut DNA to other DNA fragments with complementary sticky ends. To determine how many restriction fragments were created by EcoRI and the base pair sizes of these fragments, one would need the complete DNA sequence to identify the exact locations of the cutting sites. The number of fragments and their sizes can be determined by simulating the cutting process, marking each EcoRI site (GAATTC) and applying the cleavage which occurs between the G and the AATTC. After fragmentation, these DNA pieces can be analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis to determine the size distribution and the number of distinct fragments, which generates a unique DNA fingerprint.