Question:

Enzymes that join foreign DNA to plasmids to form recombinant DNA are:

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DNA ligase acts as molecular glue in genetic engineering.
Updated On: Jun 20, 2026
  • DNA ases
  • Primases
  • Exonucleases
  • DNA ligases
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding recombinant DNA formation.
Recombinant DNA technology involves cutting DNA and joining DNA fragments from different sources.

Step 2: Role of ligase enzyme.

DNA ligase forms phosphodiester bonds between DNA fragments, sealing breaks in the DNA backbone.

Step 3: Function in plasmid recombination.

After restriction enzymes cut DNA, ligase joins foreign DNA with plasmid DNA to form stable recombinant DNA.

Step 4: Evaluating other enzymes.

- DNAases: degrade DNA.
- Primase: synthesizes RNA primers.
- Exonuclease: removes nucleotides from ends.

Step 5: Logical reasoning.

Only ligase can join DNA fragments permanently.

Step 6: Final conclusion.

Thus, DNA ligase is the correct answer.
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