Final answer:
Restriction enzymes do not damage bacterial DNA because bacteria have a system called the restriction modification system. DNA methylase adds a methyl group to specific sequences in the bacterial genome, while restriction endonucleases recognize these methylated sequences and cleave the DNA at specific points. This protects the bacterial DNA from damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Restriction enzymes are specialized enzymes found in bacteria that cut DNA at specific sequences called recognition sites. The reason why restriction enzymes do not damage bacterial DNA is because bacteria have a system called the restriction modification system. This system involves two types of enzymes: DNA methylase and restriction endonucleases. DNA methylase adds a methyl group to specific sequences in the bacterial genome, while restriction endonucleases recognize these methylated sequences and cleave the DNA at specific points. Since the bacterial DNA is methylated, the restriction enzymes do not recognize and cleave it, thus protecting the bacterial DNA from damage.