restriction enzyme
noun
: any of various enzymes that cleave DNA into fragments at specific sites in the interior of the molecule
called also restriction endonuclease
Examples of restriction enzyme in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Application of Restriction Enzymes - Researchers use restriction enzymes such as BsaI and BsmBI to cut coronavirus genomes into manageable pieces, enabling the assembly of synthetic infectious clones by growing separate genome fragments in bacteria and later rejoining them.
—
Steve Brozak,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2026
Crichton goes on to re-create the display of a Cray X-MP supercomputer, which identifies a DNA error that will be repaired with restriction enzymes.
—
Cal Newport,
The New Yorker,
29 Jan. 2025
In the 1970s, molecular biologists figured out how to use restriction enzymes to cut DNA, giving birth to the modern biotechnology industry.
—
Quanta Magazine,
6 Feb. 2015
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Steve Brozak,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2026
Crichton goes on to re-create the display of a Cray X-MP supercomputer, which identifies a DNA error that will be repaired with restriction enzymes.
—
Cal Newport,
The New Yorker,
29 Jan. 2025
In the 1970s, molecular biologists figured out how to use restriction enzymes to cut DNA, giving birth to the modern biotechnology industry.
—
Quanta Magazine,
6 Feb. 2015
Cite this Entry
“Restriction enzyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restriction%20enzyme. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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