Question:

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The fragments of DNA generated after cleavage with a restriction enzyme have a phosphate group on their 3' ends and a -OH group on their 5' ends.
Statement II: Cohesive ends generated by restriction digestion reanneal with complementary DNA fragment.

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Remember: 5' = Phosphate (P), 3' = Sugar/OH. Most enzymes leave them in this natural "ready-to-link" state.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
  • Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
  • Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Concept

Restriction enzymes cut the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA at specific recognition sites.

Step 2: Meaning

The chemical structure of the resulting DNA ends is critical for subsequent steps like ligation.

Step 3: Analysis

Statement I is false because standard restriction digestion leaves a 5' phosphate and a 3' hydroxyl (-OH) group. Statement II is true as "cohesive" or "sticky" ends are single-stranded overhangs that readily pair (reanneal) with complementary sequences through hydrogen bonding.

Step 4: Conclusion

As Statement I incorrectly identifies the groups at the 3' and 5' positions, only Statement II is correct. Final Answer: (D)
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