Step 1: Concept:
The question tests the fundamental biochemical functions of vital enzymes used heavily in molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology.
Step 2: Step-by-step Explanation:
• A. DNA Ligase: This enzyme facilitates the joining of DNA strands together by catalyzing the formation of a critical phosphodiester bond. It essentially acts as molecular glue to seal nicks or join Okazaki fragments.
Therefore, A correctly pairs with II.
• B. Reverse Transcriptase: This is an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase uniquely found in retroviruses (like HIV). It utilizes a single-stranded RNA template to synthesize a complementary DNA (cDNA) strand.
Therefore, B correctly pairs with III.
• C. DNA polymerase I (E.coli): Discovered by Arthur Kornberg, this enzyme possesses 5'\(\rightarrow\)3' polymerase activity alongside a unique 5'\(\rightarrow\)3' exonuclease activity. In vivo, its primary role is to remove RNA primers and fill in the resultant gaps with DNA nucleotides during replication.
Therefore, C correctly pairs with IV.
• D. Type II restriction endonucleases: These are standard molecular scissors that recognize highly specific, short palindromic nucleotide sequences in double-stranded DNA and cleave the phosphodiester backbone at defined positions within or near that specific sequence.
Therefore, D correctly pairs with I.
• Combining these logic derivations gives the sequence A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The matched sequence clearly identifies Option (C) as the correct choice.