Question

Experiment 2: Restriction Enzymes (Pop-It Bead Lab)

Post-Lab Questions

1. How can DNA be fragmented into very specific sections?
2. Where do restriction enzymes come from? What is their function in nature?
3. How do molecules of varying sizes separate in electrophoresis? What is the purpose of the gel? What about the electricity?
4. Investigate one way in which electrophoresis is used in medicine today. Write one or two paragraphs to explain your findings.

Answer 1

DNA can be fragmented into specific section through the use of special group of enzymes isolated from bacteria,called restriction enzyme.r estriction enzymes are endonuclease that recognize a specific sequence of DNA and "cut" the sequence at this specific sites,called restriction site.

Restriction enzymes isolated from bacteria.

Their natural function is to destroy foreign DNA entering the cell by cleaving the bacteriophage DNA to prevent infection.The cell's own DNA is modified by methylation to protect it from its own enzyme.

Each restriction enzyme has a specific methylase.

Electrophoresis is a technique commonly used in lab to separate charged molecule like DNA.a ccording to size smaller molecule migrate through the gel more quickly and therefore travel further than larger fragments that migrate more slowly and therefore will travel a shorter distance.