How does a bacterial cell protect its own DNA from restriction enzymes?
A)by adding methyl groups to adenines and cytosines
B)by using DNA ligase to seal the bacterial DNA into a closed circle
C)by adding histones to protect the double-stranded DNA
D)by forming "sticky ends" of bacterial DNA to prevent the enzyme from attaching

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bacterial cells protect their own DNA from restriction enzymes by adding methyl groups (CH3) to specific adenines and cytosines within the DNA sequence. This modification known as DNA methylation, impedes the functioning of the restriction enzymes and prevents them from recognizing and cutting the DNA at their specific recognition site. Consequently, bacterial DNA is protected from self-digestion by restriction enzymes. The other options are incorrect because DNA ligase is not used in the protection of the DNA, histones are not present in bacterial cells, and "sticky ends" are not utilized to prevent restriction enzymes from attaching to DNA.

How Does a Bacterial Cell Protect Its Own DNA from Restriction