Which of the following processes helps bacterial cells protect their own DNA from restriction enzymes (endonucleases)?
A) adding methyl groups to adenines and cytosines
B) using DNA ligase to seal the bacterial DNA into a closed circle
C) adding histones to protect the double-stranded DNA
D) forming "sticky ends" of bacterial DNA to prevent the enzyme (endonuclease) from attaching

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bacterial cells often use methylation (the addition of methyl groups to adenines and cytosines) as a means to protect their own DNA from being degraded by restriction enzymes. This modification allows the cell to distinguish its own DNA from foreign DNA (such as that from viruses), which is not methylated in the same pattern and thus can be targeted by the restriction enzymes.

Which of the Following Processes Helps Bacterial Cells Protect Their