Final answer:
Restriction enzymes are specialized proteins used to cut DNA at specific sites, which are usually palindromic sequences, enabling the creation of recombinant DNA molecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of restriction enzymes is pivotal in the field of biotechnology, particularly in recombinant DNA technology. They are specialized proteins that can cut DNA strands at very specific sequences of nucleotides. Each restriction enzyme has a characteristic recognition site, often a palindromic sequence, allowing for precise cutting of DNA. This feature enables various applications including cloning genes into plasmids, creating DNA fingerprints, and constructing recombinant DNA molecules. Some restriction enzymes create 'sticky ends' with overhangs that facilitate the binding of another DNA molecule cut by the same enzyme, while others produce 'blunt ends' that can be ligated to any other blunt DNA. These enzymes do not facilitate DNA repair or enhance fluorescence; their function is restricted to cleavage at determined sequences.