How many fragments will be generated on the digestion of a closed circ...
When a closed circular DNA molecule is digested with a restriction enzyme having six recognition sites, it will produce 6 DNA fragments.
How many fragments will be generated on the digestion of a closed circ...
To determine the number of fragments generated on the digestion of a closed circular DNA molecule, we need to consider the number of recognition sites for the restriction enzyme on the DNA.
Given that the restriction enzyme has six recognition sites on the DNA molecule, we can assume that each recognition site will be cleaved by the enzyme, resulting in the formation of two fragments.
Let's analyze the possible scenarios:
1. No overlapping recognition sites:
- In this case, each recognition site will be cleaved, resulting in the formation of two fragments.
- Since there are six recognition sites, the total number of fragments will be 6 x 2 = 12.
2. Overlapping recognition sites:
- If the recognition sites overlap, some of the fragments generated may be the same.
- Let's assume that there are overlapping recognition sites, resulting in the formation of fewer fragments.
- Since there are six recognition sites, the minimum number of fragments that can be generated is 6 x 2 = 12.
- However, since some of the fragments may be the same, the actual number of fragments will be less than 12.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C' - 6 fragments.
In conclusion, the number of fragments generated on the digestion of a closed circular DNA molecule with a restriction enzyme having six recognition sites on the DNA is 6.