EcoRI

EcoRI is an enzyme used in molecular biology that acts like a pair of molecular scissors. It recognizes a specific sequence of DNA bases (the building blocks of DNA) and cuts the DNA at that exact spot. This ability allows scientists to cut DNA precisely, which is essential for genetic research, cloning, and gene editing. EcoRI is derived from a bacterium and is valuable because of its specificity, ensuring that it only cuts at its recognized sequence, facilitating the manipulation and analysis of genes in a controlled manner.