Question

EcoR1 exhibits a two-fold rotational symmetry.

(a) True

(b) False

I have been asked this question during an interview for a job.

The question is from Techniques topic in portion Techniques in Cell Biology of Cell Biology

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(a) True

Explanation:

EcoRI is a type II restriction enzyme that recognizes a specific DNA sequence and cuts between certain base pairs. It exhibits two-fold rotational symmetry, meaning the recognition site for EcoRI is symmetrical when viewed from the center of the sequence. The sequence that EcoRI recognizes and cuts is GAATTC, and this sequence is palindromic (it reads the same backward as forward) and exhibits two-fold symmetry.

The two-fold rotational symmetry refers to the fact that if you rotate the sequence 180 degrees, it remains unchanged, which is a characteristic of the enzyme's recognition site. This symmetry is important for the enzyme's ability to recognize and cleave DNA at the correct location.

Correct Answer: (a) True