Chemicals and Drugs

DNA Restriction Enzymes

Enzymes that are part of the restriction-modification systems. They catalyze the endonucleolytic cleavage of DNA sequences which lack the species-specific methylation pattern in the host cell's DNA. Cleavage yields random or specific double-stranded fragments with terminal 5'-phosphates. The function of restriction enzymes is to destroy any foreign DNA that invades the host cell. Most have been studied in bacterial systems, but a few have been found in eukaryotic organisms. They are also used as tools for the systematic dissection and mapping of chromosomes, in the determination of base sequences of DNAs, and have made it possible to splice and recombine genes from one organism into the genome of another. EC 3.21.1.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Enzymes that are part of the restriction-modification systems. They catalyze the endonucleolytic cleavage of DNA sequences which lack the species-specific methylation pattern in the host cell's DNA. Cleavage yields random or specific double-stranded fragments with terminal 5'-phosphates. The function of restriction enzymes is to destroy any foreign DNA that invades the host cell. Most have been studied in bacterial systems, but a few have been found in eukaryotic organisms. They are also used as tools for the systematic dissection and mapping of chromosomes, in the determination of base sequences of DNAs, and have made it possible to splice and recombine genes from one organism into the genome of another. EC 3.21.1.

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Synonyms

8 entry terms
  • DNA Restriction Enzyme
  • Restriction Endonuclease
  • Restriction Endonucleases
  • Endonuclease, Restriction
  • Endonucleases, Restriction
  • Enzymes, DNA Restriction
  • Restriction Enzyme, DNA
  • Restriction Enzymes, DNA

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Aspects Covered

29 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, analysis, antagonists & inhibitors, biosynthesis, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, deficiency, drug effects, economics, genetics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, physiology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, ultrastructure, urine.

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Indexing Annotation

DNA restriction enzyme used as a DNA marker: coord probably NIM with GENETIC MARKER (IM)

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History Note

79; was DNA RESTRICTION ENZYME 1978, was DNA RESTRICTION ENZYME see under ENDONUCLEASES 1975-77

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Previous Indexing

  • Deoxyribonucleases (1974)
  • Endonucleases (1974)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. D08.811w.150w.280w
  2. D08.811w.277w.352w.335w.350w.300w
  3. D08.811w.277w.352w.355w.325w.300w

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NLM Classification

QU 136

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. DNA Restriction Enzymes. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D004262. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D004262
  2. DNA Restriction Enzymes. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restriction_enzyme
  3. DNA Restriction Enzymes. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q219715