What is the purpose of using DNA ligase in the construction of recombinant DNA?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → To join the ends of cut DNA molecules
The purpose of using DNA ligase in the construction of recombinant DNA is to join the ends of cut DNA molecules. After a specific piece of DNA is cut using restriction enzymes, DNA ligase is used to catalyze the formation of phosphodiester bonds between the sugar-phosphate backbones of the two DNA fragments. This process creates a new DNA molecule by linking the two fragments together, resulting in a recombinant DNA molecule.
DNA ligase plays a crucial role in the genetic engineering process as it allows researchers to combine DNA from different sources to create new genetic combinations with desired traits or characteristics.