Restriction enzyme

A restriction enzyme is an enzyme that can cut [ribonucleic acid]?s, usually double-stranded DNA. The position where the enzyme cuts the DNA is determined by a pattern of nucleotides specific to the enzyme. Cuts can either result in blunt or sticky ends:

Original sequence

 GTCAGCCTGAGTCTGATGCTGAC
 CAGTCGGACTCAGACTACGACTG

Blunt ends

 GTCAGCCTG AGTCTGATGCTGAC
 CAGTCGGAC TCAGACTACGACTG

Sticky ends

 GTCAGCCTG AGTCTGATGCTGAC
 CAGTCGGACTCAGAC TACGACTG

Today, restriction enzymes are an essential tool (like scissor?s) in molecular biology.