Question

Restriction enzymes work on specific base sequences, and due to the diversity of sequences, only one enzyme is required.

A. True
B. False

Answer 1

False. Restriction enzymes are proteins that recognize and cut DNA at specific sequences called restriction sites. Each restriction enzyme typically recognizes and cuts at a specific sequence or a few related sequences due to the diversity of DNA sequences.

Step-by-step explanation:

False. Restriction enzymes are proteins that recognize and cut DNA at specific sequences called restriction sites. However, because DNA is made up of different combinations of nucleotides, there are many possible sequences in DNA. Each restriction enzyme typically recognizes and cuts at a specific sequence or a few related sequences. There are more than 800 restriction enzymes discovered so far, each with its own specific recognition sequence.

For example, the EcoRI restriction enzyme recognizes and cuts the sequence 5' GAATTC 3'. It will cut the DNA at this specific sequence regardless of the rest of the DNA sequence. Other restriction enzymes will have different recognition sequences.

Therefore, due to the diversity of DNA sequences, multiple restriction enzymes with different specificities are required for various applications in molecular biology.