Final answer:
Cutting a circular piece of DNA at two restriction sites typically results in two fragments. The specific sequences at the restriction sites and the action of restriction enzymes like EcoRI and HindIII determine the number of resultant DNA fragments.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you were to cut a circular piece of DNA at two restriction sites, you would typically be left with two fragments.
This is because the circular DNA opens up into a linear form once cut at one point, and a second cut would then result in two separate pieces.
The exact number of fragments may vary if there are multiple recognition sites for the restriction enzymes being used, or if the circular DNA has additional complexities such as supercoiling.
However, in the simplest case with only two recognition sites, two fragments will be produced.
- Restriction enzymes like EcoRI and HindIII recognize specific sequences in DNA and cut at these sites, often leaving sticky ends which can be used for cloning.
- The pieces of DNA resulting from these cuts can be analyzed through gel electrophoresis and further manipulated for genetic research or biotechnology applications, such as recombination into plasmid vectors for cloning.
It is important to have a correct understanding of the sequences at the restriction sites and the number of sites present to predict the number of DNA fragments after cutting with restriction enzymes.