This session will cover 1) what restriction enzymes are and how they cut DNA, 2) the different types of restriction enzymes and the advantages and disadvantages of using them, and 3) how restriction enzymes are used to create a recombinant DNA molecule.

Learning Objectives

• To understand what a restriction endonuclease (restriction enzyme) is and how it functions.
• To identify restriction enzyme(s) recognition sites given a section of DNA.
• To understand the difference between enzymes that cut double-stranded DNA to produce a region of single-stranded DNA and those that do not, and the appropriate use of each type of enzyme.
• To determine which restriction enzyme to use to create a desired piece of recombinant DNA.
• To know the function of DNA ligase.
• To understand what a vector is, what the minimum requirements are, and how it is used.