In DNA biotechnology, what role do restriction endonucleases (restriction enzymes) perform?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Cleaving double-stranded DNA at specific palindromic nucleotide sequences

  1. Step 1: Restriction enzymes recognize specific palindromic sequences (e.g. EcoRI recognizes 5'-GAATTC-3') and cleave phosphodiester backbones. Step 2. This produces sticky or blunt ends used in recombinant DNA cloning. Answer: Cleaving double-stranded DNA at specific palindromic nucleotide sequences. Why not the others: Reverse transcriptase makes cDNA; ligase joins fragments; polymerase handles PCR.

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