Final answer:
A student inquires about which enzymes can cut human DNA around the vgp gene without cutting inside it. The answer involves the use of restriction enzymes that recognize specific sequences outside of the gene. Through detailed mapping of the gene and available restriction sites, a suitable enzyme can be chosen to achieve the desired cuts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about enzymes that would cut the human DNA on both sides of a specific gene without cutting inside the gene. In recombinant DNA technology, restriction enzymes are used to cut DNA at specific sites. These enzymes recognize specific DNA sequences, known as restriction sites, that are usually palindromic. A restriction enzyme that cuts on both sides of a given gene, such as the hypothetical vgp gene, without cutting inside it would have to have recognition sites that flank this gene but are not present within the gene itself.
For example, if the lacZ gene within a plasmid has a single restriction site for an enzyme and cutting at this site disrupts the production of the enzyme β-galactosidase, a similar approach would be needed to insert the vgp gene into a plasmid without disrupting its function. Thus, a specific restriction endonuclease with recognition sites outside the vgp gene would be necessary. As each enzyme recognizes and cuts at specific locations, one would analyze the vgp gene sequence and choose an enzyme that provides the desired cutting pattern, which would involve detailed mapping of the gene sequence and available restriction enzymes.