restriction fragment: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Technical / Very lowScientific / Academic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “restriction fragment” mean?
A specific piece of DNA produced when a DNA molecule is cut by a restriction enzyme at its specific recognition sites.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific piece of DNA produced when a DNA molecule is cut by a restriction enzyme at its specific recognition sites.
In molecular biology, a DNA fragment generated by the cleavage of DNA by restriction endonucleases, which is a fundamental tool in genetic engineering for DNA analysis, mapping, and cloning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and terminology are identical in both major varieties. The pronunciation of the individual words 'restriction' and 'fragment' may have minor regional variations.
Connotations
None; purely technical term.
Frequency
Virtually zero frequency in general discourse, high within the specific scientific field.
Grammar
How to Use “restriction fragment” in a Sentence
The restriction fragment [was isolated, was analysed, was cloned]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used extensively in genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core terminology in laboratory protocols for DNA manipulation, genotyping (e.g., RFLP analysis), and cloning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “restriction fragment”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “restriction fragment”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “restriction fragment”
- Confusing 'restriction fragment' with 'PCR product' (the former results from enzymatic cutting, the latter from enzymatic copying).
- Using 'restriction fragment' to refer to any small piece of DNA (it must be the product of a restriction enzyme).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A restriction fragment is produced by cutting DNA with restriction enzymes, while a PCR product is produced by copying and amplifying a specific DNA region using the polymerase chain reaction.
No, it is highly specialised terminology confined to molecular biology, genetics, and related biotechnological fields.
RFLP stands for Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, a technique that analyses variations in the length of restriction fragments to differentiate between DNA samples.
They are fundamental tools for DNA fingerprinting, genetic mapping, gene cloning, and diagnosing genetic diseases, as they allow scientists to manipulate and analyse specific DNA sequences.
A specific piece of DNA produced when a DNA molecule is cut by a restriction enzyme at its specific recognition sites.
Restriction fragment is usually scientific / academic / technical in register.
Restriction fragment: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈstrɪkʃən ˈfraɡmənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /rəˈstrɪkʃən ˈfræɡmənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DNA as a long necklace (the molecule). A restriction enzyme is like a pair of scissors that cuts the necklace at specific bead patterns (recognition sites). Each resulting piece of the necklace is a restriction fragment.
Conceptual Metaphor
DNA as a text/blueprint; restriction enzymes as specific word-finders/scissors; restriction fragments as highlighted or cut-out paragraphs.
Practice
Quiz
What defines a 'restriction fragment'?