Question

EcoRI, a significant tool in rDNA technology is -

• A. Bacteria
• B. Plasmid
• C. Enzyme
• D. Purine

Hint:

EcoRI is a restriction enzyme that cuts DNA at a specific site, a critical tool in genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding EcoRI.
EcoRI is a type of restriction enzyme that plays a crucial role in recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. It is used to cut DNA molecules at specific sites, which is essential for DNA manipulation in genetic engineering.
Step 2: Role of EcoRI.
- Bacteria (Option 1): While EcoRI was originally isolated from a bacterium, it is not classified as a bacterium itself but as an enzyme.
- Plasmid (Option 2): A plasmid is a small circular DNA molecule, often used in genetic cloning, but EcoRI is not a plasmid.
- Enzyme (Option 3): EcoRI is an enzyme, specifically a restriction endonuclease that cuts DNA at specific recognition sites, making it a critical tool in molecular biology.
- Purine (Option 4): Purines are nitrogenous bases, part of the DNA structure, but they are not related to the function of EcoRI.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is Enzyme, as EcoRI is a restriction enzyme.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{The correct answer is (3) Enzyme.}} \]