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Restriction Modification Systems: Where They Are and What They Do

  • Chapter
Bacterial Genomes

Abstract

This review concentrates on restriction-modification (RM) in the context of bacterial genome evolution and how the systems affect bacterial populations. RM systems regulate the entry of foreign DNA into cells. A model of how the systems work is shown in Figure 8-1. Foreign DNA is restricted by a restriction endonuclease that recognizes a specific sequence and cleaves the DNA unless the sequence is protected. Typically, a modification methyltransferase confers protection, by methylating a particular base within the sequence recognized by the restriction enzyme, thereby rendering it resistant to cleavage.

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Authors
  1. Elisabeth A. Raleigh
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  2. Joan E. Brooks
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1312, USA

    Frans J. de Bruijn

  2. Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Room 609E, Houston, TX, 77030-3498, USA

    James R. Lupski

  3. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical School, 6431 Fannin, Houston, TX, USA, 77030

    George M. Weinstock

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Raleigh, E.A., Brooks, J.E. (1998). Restriction Modification Systems: Where They Are and What They Do. In: de Bruijn, F.J., Lupski, J.R., Weinstock, G.M. (eds) Bacterial Genomes. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-6369-3_8

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