What does a restriction enzyme do?

A restriction enzyme is a type of protein that recognizes specific sequences of nucleotides in DNA and cuts the DNA at those locations. This ability to cut DNA at specific sites is crucial for various molecular biology applications, such as cloning, genetic engineering, and DNA analysis. By cleaving the DNA, restriction enzymes help researchers manipulate and study the genetic material, facilitating the creation of recombinant DNA molecules where pieces from different organisms can be combined.

In contrast, amplifying DNA sequences is typically the function of polymerase enzymes during techniques like PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Binding DNA to prevent transcription is linked to regulatory proteins, not restriction enzymes. Synthesizing RNA from a DNA template is the role of RNA polymerase during transcription, not a function of restriction enzymes. This distinction highlights the specific and vital role that restriction enzymes play in genetic research and biotechnology.