Question

Restriction enzyme was discovered by
A. Waksman
B. Flemming
C. Watson and Crick
D. A. Werner, H. Smith and Nathans

Answer 1

Hint: Restriction enzymes are used as a biological tool in the field of biotechnology for various purposes. They are generally found in bacteria and other prokaryotes.

Complete answer:
Restriction enzyme also is known as restriction endonuclease, it is a protein that is produced by bacteria that cleaves DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) into fragments at a particular site along the molecule as it recognizes the specific site of DNA. It plays a vital role in the construction of Recombinant DNA molecules. Some common examples involve HindIII, EcoRI, BamHI, etc.
A. Waksman: Selman Abraham Waksman was a biochemist and microbiologist. His research into the decomposition of the microbes present in the soil enabled the discovery of streptomycin and various other antibiotics.
B. Flemming: Alexander Flemming was a physician and microbiologist. He discovered the best-known enzyme Lysozyme and the accidental antibiotic discovery named Penicillin.
C. Watson and Crick: James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the double-helix model of DNA or the Watson and Crick model of DNA which states that two strands of DNA double helix are held together with the help of Hydrogen bonds.
D. A. Werner, H. Smith, and Nathans: Werber Arber, Hamilton Smith, and Daniel Nathans shared their Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for the discovery of the Restriction enzyme, and their work leads to the Construction of recombinant DNA technology.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: A. Werner, H. Smith, and Nathans performed experiments by proving that certain enzymes are secreted by bacteria which lead to the cleavage of the genome. Bacteria use these restriction enzymes to protect against bacterial viruses known as Bacteriophages.