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Which sequence could hypothetically form a restriction enzyme recognition site in DNA?

1) AGCT
2) TCGA
3) ATGC
4) GCTA

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Among the provided sequences, none are standalone palindromic sequences typically recognized by restriction enzymes. However, within a larger DNA context, they could potentially be part of recognition sites.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sequence that could hypothetically form a restriction enzyme recognition site in DNA among the given options would ideally be a palindromic sequence, as restriction enzymes typically recognize and bind to specific palindromic DNA sequences to cleave the strand. A palindromic sequence reads the same in the 5' to 3' direction on one strand as it does in the 5' to 3' direction on the complementary strand. None of the sequences provided, 1) AGCT 2) TCGA 3) ATGC 4) GCTA, form perfect palindromes as standalone sequences. In the context of known recognition sequences, such as Eco RI which recognizes 5'GAATTC3', these provided sequences do not match. However, if these sequences were part of a larger sequence, it is possible that a recognition site could exist within a larger context where they are part of a palindromic section.

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