restriction endonuclease

A class of enzymes that cut DNA after recognizing a specific sequence. The three types of restriction endonuclease are: I. Where the cut occurs within a random sequence at sites >1kbp from the recognition sequence, and has both restriction and methylation activities. II: Cuts within, or near a short, usually palindromic recognition sequence. A separate enzyme methylates the same recognition sequence. III: Cuts 24-26bp downstream from a short, asymmetrical recognition sequence, requires ATP and has both restriction and methylation activities. Type II enzyme s are the class used for most molecular biology applications.