Question

Which of the following best describes the role of restriction enzymes in the biotechnologies used in this study? A. To cut DNA into bands at random locations prior to gel electrophoresis B. To cut DNA into bands at specific locations prior to PCR C. To cut DNA into bands at random locations prior to PCR D. To cut DNA into bands at specific locations prior to gel electrophoresis

Answer 1

Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific locations, enabling scientists to create distinct banding patterns by separating DNA fragments through gel electrophoresis for comparison and further study. The correct option is D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of restriction enzymes in biotechnologies is to cut DNA at specific sites. This precision enables scientists to target and cut DNA sequences at predetermined locations, which is essential in genetic engineering and molecular biology techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis. In the context of the question, restriction enzymes are used to cut DNA into bands at specific locations prior to gel electrophoresis, thereby allowing the fragments to be separated by size and visualized on a gel. This creates a unique banding pattern that can be compared across different DNA samples in studies like Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Following the digestion with restriction enzymes, DNA fragments can then be isolated and manipulated further as needed in biotechnological applications.