Biotechnology: Principles and Processes — BIOLOGY STD 12 Science — Question

2. Sticky ends

Explanation:

Sticky ends are formed when the restriction enzymes cut the DNA molecule at such a position that it leaves an overhanging stretch of the nitrogenous base which can pair with the complementary base pairs.

EcoRI cut through the DNA strands at nucleotides that overhangs at the end. This overhanging nucleotide strand is called a sticky end because it can easily bond with complementary DNA fragments.