recognition sequence

biology

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

A recognition sequence, in biology, refers to a specific short sequence of nucleotide bases within a DNA molecule that is recognized by a particular protein. These sequences are crucial for various biological processes.

For instance, restriction enzymes, produced by bacteria, recognize and bind to specific DNA sequences, known as recognition sites, to cut the DNA. This ability is fundamental to recombinant DNA technology, or genetic engineering, allowing scientists to precisely manipulate DNA fragments. Different restriction enzymes recognize different nucleotide sequences, which are typically four to eight bases long.12

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restriction enzyme
These regions are called recognition sequences, or recognition sites, and are randomly distributed throughout the DNA. Different bacterial species make restriction enzymes that recognize different nucleotide sequences.
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These regions are called recognition sequences, or recognition sites, and are randomly distributed throughout the DNA. Different bacterial species make restriction enzymes that recognize different nucleotide sequences.
Read More