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AAT Bioquest

How does the cell protect its own DNA from disassembly?

Posted May 2, 2023


Answer

The cell protects its own DNA from disassembly by masking the restriction sites with methyl (CH3) groups so they are unrecognizable to restriction enzymes. 

DNA disassembly is usually caused by restriction enzymes. These enzymes recognize and cut DNA only at specific short nucleotide sequences known as restriction sites or recognition sequences. Attaching methyl groups to the restriction sites in the nucleotides masks them and protects them from disassembly as restriction enzymes cannot recognize methylated sequences. 

Additional resources

DNA methylation methods: global DNA methylation and methylomic analyses.

DNA and RNA Quantitation

Helixyte™ Green Fluorimetric dsDNA Quantitation Kit *Optimized for Broad Dynamic Range*