How many fragments will be generated if you digest a linear DNA molecu...
If DNA is linear then the number of fragments generated is (N+1), where N= number of recognition sites or sequences.
Hence the number of fragments generated is 5 if we digest a linear DNA molecule with a restriction enzyme having four recognition sites on the DNA.
How many fragments will be generated if you digest a linear DNA molecu...
Explanation:
When a linear DNA molecule is digested with a restriction enzyme, it cleaves the DNA at specific recognition sites. Each recognition site is usually a specific sequence of nucleotides that the enzyme recognizes and cuts.
In this case, the restriction enzyme has four recognition sites on the DNA. Let's assume these sites are labeled as A, B, C, and D.
When the enzyme cuts at site A, it will generate two fragments - one on the left side of site A and one on the right side of site A.
When the enzyme cuts at site B, it will also generate two fragments - one on the left side of site B and one on the right side of site B.
Similarly, when the enzyme cuts at site C, it will generate two fragments - one on the left side of site C and one on the right side of site C.
Lastly, when the enzyme cuts at site D, it will generate two fragments - one on the left side of site D and one on the right side of site D.
Therefore, each recognition site will generate two fragments. Since there are four recognition sites, the total number of fragments generated will be 4 x 2 = 8.
However, it is important to note that one of the fragments generated by cutting at site A will be the same as one of the fragments generated by cutting at site B. Similarly, one of the fragments generated by cutting at site C will be the same as one of the fragments generated by cutting at site D.
Therefore, the actual number of distinct fragments will be 8 - 2 = 6.
Hence, the correct answer is option C) 5.