Question

Sticky ends, observed in the DNA, are due to the action of a particular type of nucleases. Which of the following statement is correct regarding the sticky ends of the DNA strand?

• A. The sticky ends are made of unpaired nucleotides
• B. The sticky ends have an adhesive group for attachment.
• C. The sticky ends are made of paired up nucleotides
• D. The sticky ends are made by the action of ligases

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Restriction endonucleases are a group of nucleases that break the phosphodiester bond in the DNA that result in a 'cut' in the DNA strand and separation. These enzymes cut the DNA at a particular site and may leave single stranded portions at the ends. These overhanging stretches of unpaired nucleotides are called sticky ends.