Restriction Enzymes Restriction enzymes:recognize specific DNA sequences and cut DNA at those sites Widespread among prokaryotes ·Rare in eukaryotes Protect prokaryotes from hostile foreign DNA (e.g.,viral genomes) e Essential for in vitro DNA manipulation Chen Feng,Lecture of MicrobiologyChen Feng, Lecture of Microbiology Restriction Enzymes Restriction enzymes: recognize specific DNA sequences and cut DNA at those sites • Widespread among prokaryotes • Rare in eukaryotes • Protect prokaryotes from hostile foreign DNA (e.g., viral genomes) • Essential for in vitro DNA manipulation