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restriction enzyme

noun

Definition of restriction enzyme

: any of various enzymes that cleave DNA into fragments at specific sites in the interior of the molecule

— called also restriction endonuclease

Examples of restriction enzyme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Some microbes defend themselves from invasion by using molecules known as restriction enzymes. — Quanta Magazine, "Breakthrough DNA Editor Born of Bacteria," 6 Feb. 2015 In the 1970s, molecular biologists figured out how to use restriction enzymes to cut DNA, giving birth to the modern biotechnology industry. — Quanta Magazine, "Breakthrough DNA Editor Born of Bacteria," 6 Feb. 2015

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'restriction enzyme.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of restriction enzyme

1965, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for restriction enzyme

restriction enzyme

noun

Medical Definition of restriction enzyme

: any of various enzymes that cleave DNA into fragments at specific sites in the interior of the molecule and are often used as tools in molecular analysis

More from Merriam-Webster on restriction enzyme

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about restriction enzyme

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