Who Discovered Restriction Enzyme?

The discovery of restriction enzymes began with a hypothesis. In the 1960s, Werner Arber observed a dramatic change in the bacteriophage DNA after it invaded these resistant strains of bacteria: It was degraded and cut into pieces.

Who discovered restriction enzyme in 1972?

Paul Berg, a biochemist at Stanford who was among the first to produce a recombinant DNA molecule in 1972, wrote a letter shortly afterwards, along with ten other researchers, to the journal Science.

Where did researchers first discover restriction enzymes?

Sequence-specific DNA-cleavage

The first of these new enzymes, HindII, was discovered in Hamilton ('Ham') Smith's laboratory at Johns Hopkins Medical School in 1970 (29). This was subsequently termed a Type II REase as its properties were distinct from the Type I REases (25).

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Consumer Tech & Gadget Reviewer

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.