restriction enzyme (redirected from Dna restriction-modification enzymes)

restriction enzyme

n.

Any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of DNA at specific sites to produce discrete fragments, used especially in genetic engineering. Also called restriction endonuclease.

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restriction enzyme

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) any of several enzymes produced by bacteria as a defence against viral infection and commonly used to cut DNA for genetic manipulation or diagnosis

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

restriction enzyme - any of the enzymes that cut nucleic acid at specific restriction sites and produce restriction fragments; obtained from bacteria (where they cripple viral invaders); used in recombinant DNA technology restriction endonuclease, restriction nuclease endonuclease - a nuclease that cleaves nucleic acids at interior bonds and so produces fragments of various sizes