CBSE · Class 12 · Biology · Biotechnology: Principles and ProcessesDefine restriction endonucleases.

Restriction endonucleases are specialized enzymes that function as molecular scissors, cutting DNA molecules at specific, predictable recognition sequences known as restriction sites. These enzymes are naturally found in bacteria as a defense mechanism against bacteriophage infections. In biotechnology, they are indispensable tools used to cleave DNA molecules into defined fragments, enabling genetic engineers to isolate and manipulate specific genes of interest.