restriction enzymes

noun Biochemistry.

1. any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of DNA molecules at specific sites: used for gene splicing in recombinant DNA technology and for chromosome mapping.

noun

1. any of several enzymes produced by bacteria as a defence against viral infection and commonly used to cut DNA for genetic manipulation or diagnosis

n.

1. Any of a group of enzymes that cleave DNA at specific sites to produce discrete fragments, used especially in gene-splicing.restriction endonuclease

Chemicals used in the lab to cut up DNA at specific sites so that it may be sequenced. They function in nature as a form of bacterial self-protection that can cut up foreign DNA. The use of restriction enzymes is crucial in DNA fingerprinting.