Sticky Ends & Restriction Enzymes — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2019Restriction enzymes cut the strand of DNA a little away from the centre of the palindrome sites, but between the same two bases on the opposite strands. This leaves single stranded portions at the ends. There are overhanging stretches called sticky ends on each strand. These are named so because they form hydrogen bonds with their complementary cut counterparts. This stickiness of the ends facilitates the action of the enzyme DNA ligase.
NTA tests how restriction enzymes create sticky ends (overhanging single-stranded portions) by cutting DNA away from the palindrome center on opposite strands. Students often confuse sticky ends with blunt ends or forget that the cuts are staggered on opposite strands—not directly across. The key is remembering that sticky ends have complementary bases exposed, allowing them to hydrogen bond with matching ends, making them "sticky." This property is crucial for DNA ligase to seal the cuts. Always recall: staggered cuts → sticky ends → hydrogen bonding → DNA recombination in genetic engineering.
The following statements describe the characteristics of the enzyme restriction endonuclease. Identify the incorrect statement: (NEET 2019)
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