Restriction enzymes are

Restriction enzymes are nucleases. They are enzymes that can cut DNA molecules at specific recognition sites. The recognition sites are typically a specific sequence of four to six base pairs, and each restriction enzyme recognizes a specific recognition site. When the enzyme recognizes its target sequence, it cuts the DNA strand at a specific point, creating either blunt ends or sticky ends. The ability of restriction enzymes to cleave DNA at specific sites has made them an important tool in molecular biology, particularly in recombinant DNA technology.