DNA ligase is an essential enzyme in recombinant DNA technology. Its specific catalytic function is to:
- A Cut DNA at specific palindromic recognition sequences
- B Form phosphodiester bonds between adjacent 3'-OH and 5'-phosphate termini ✓
- C Synthesize complementary DNA from an RNA template
- D Add repetitive nucleotide sequences to chromosome ends
Correct answer: B. Form phosphodiester bonds between adjacent 3'-OH and 5'-phosphate termini
Explanation
DNA ligase joins DNA fragments by catalyzing phosphodiester bond formation between adjacent 3'-hydroxyl and 5'-phosphate groups. Restriction enzymes cut DNA at palindromic sites, reverse transcriptase synthesizes cDNA from RNA, and telomerase adds repetitive sequences to chromosome ends.
Reference: Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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