Why do bacteria produce restriction enzymes?
A)They are important in DNA replication.
B)They are involved in the identification of the bacterium's DNA.
C)They are involved in defense against viruses.
D)They serve no function in bacteria and are just used as a molecular tool by scientists.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bacteria produce restriction enzymes as a defense mechanism against invading viruses, also known as bacteriophages. When a virus tries to infect a bacterium, its DNA is recognized as foreign and the restriction enzymes can cleave the viral DNA, protecting the bacterium from infection.

Why Do Bacteria Produce Restriction Enzymes