Restriction Enzyme
Restriction enzymes, also known as restriction endonucleases, are proteins produced by bacteria that cut DNA at specific sites on the molecule. In bacterial cells, restriction enzymes cleave foreign DNA, thereby eliminating the infecting organism. These enzymes have been an important part of the field of genetic engineering, allowing researchers to insert new genes into organisms to create new traits. These enzymes are also used in medical research, diagnosing genetic diseases and forensics, allowing researchers to compare DNA samples from different sources.