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🔬 Biology  ·  Biotechnology: Principles and Processes  ·  NEET

Blunt-ended DNA fragments produced by some restriction enzymes are harder to ligate than sticky ends. Why are sticky ends easier to join?

Answer: Their short single-stranded overhangs form hydrogen bonds with complementary ends.

  • A They have no phosphate groups
  • B They are always much longer DNA fragments than blunt ends and bind far faster
  • C Their short single-stranded overhangs form hydrogen bonds with complementary ends
  • D They do not need DNA ligase

Correct answer: C. Their short single-stranded overhangs form hydrogen bonds with complementary ends

Explanation: Sticky ends have short single-stranded overhangs that base-pair (hydrogen bond) with complementary overhangs, holding the fragments together so DNA ligase can seal them easily.

PlasmidGene of interestcutrestriction enzymeligateRecombinantplasmidHost cell

Recombinant DNA technology: a gene of interest and plasmid are cut by the same restriction enzyme, ligated into a recombinant plasmid, and introduced into a host cell.

Concept context

Recombinant DNA, GMOs, PCR, CRISPR, and biotechnology applications. Growing importance in NEET.

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