restriction site: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “restriction site” mean?
A specific, short sequence of nucleotides in DNA where a particular restriction enzyme cuts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific, short sequence of nucleotides in DNA where a particular restriction enzyme cuts.
In molecular biology, a target sequence recognized and cleaved by a restriction endonuclease, forming the basis for techniques like DNA mapping and cloning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions follow regional norms for other words in a sentence.
Connotations
Purely technical and neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency in relevant scientific communities in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “restriction site” in a Sentence
The restriction site [for EcoRI] is [located] [in the gene promoter].The plasmid [lacks] a restriction site [for that enzyme].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “restriction site” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The restriction-site map was crucial for the experiment.
American English
- We need to confirm the restriction-site location.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Essential term for laboratory protocols, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “restriction site”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “restriction site”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “restriction site”
- Using 'restriction point' (a different cell biology concept).
- Saying 'The enzyme is the restriction site' (the enzyme acts AT the site, it is not the site itself).
- Confusing it with a 'polylinker' or 'multiple cloning site' (which contains many restriction sites).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A gene is a functional unit coding for a product (like a protein). A restriction site is just a short sequence serving as a cutting point for an enzyme; it can be located within a gene, outside it, or have no direct relation to gene function.
Yes, a DNA molecule typically contains many different restriction sites for various enzymes, and often multiple sites for the same enzyme.
Most are short, palindromic sequences of 4 to 8 base pairs, though some are longer or non-palindromic.
They allow scientists to cut DNA at predictable locations, enabling them to isolate genes, insert them into vectors (like plasmids), and create recombinant DNA molecules.
A specific, short sequence of nucleotides in DNA where a particular restriction enzyme cuts.
Restriction site is usually technical/scientific in register.
Restriction site: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈstrɪkʃn̩ saɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /rəˈstrɪkʃən saɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RESTRICTION SITE like a specific address (SITE) on a long street (DNA). A particular postal worker (RESTRICTION ENZYME) only knows how to find and cut at that one address.
Conceptual Metaphor
DNA AS TEXT/CODE (The site is a specific word or barcode that a molecular scissors is programmed to find).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'restriction site'?