Template talk:Restriction enzyme glossary

Circular definition

I am not sure that I like the following change in definition from:

restriction – a specific type of rule that defines a finite (and generally absolute) boundary for a type of process or function

to:

restriction – The use of restriction enzymes to selectively cut up DNA.

The problem with the new definition is that it is circular. The definition is used to define itself, which is not very helpful. Please note that the intended audience for the glossary is the lay public and not molecular biologists. I propose that the definition be restored to the old one, but I am certainly open to suggestions about how to improve it. Cheers. Boghog2 (talk) 23:27, 25 October 2008 (UTC)

Hello Boghog2. Yes my definition does seem circular. Thanks for adding something. You might consider defining “Restriction Enzyme” and leave “Restriction” out of the glossary.

Your original wording suggested that restriction is, briefly, a rule that sets limits. One dictionary says that to restrict is to restrain or hamper or diminish. A restriction enzyme is an enzyme that sets limits by restricting phage infection in bacteria -- i.e., it limits (or restrains, hampers or diminishes) phage infection. That was its original usage, but I have been interested in the curious (and I think amusing) change that the word underwent when the enzymes began to be used by molecular biologists to carry out DNA cutting operations in vitro. I have seen statements such as the following in print: “The toad DNA was restricted using Eco RI”. I think that whoever invented this sort of turn of phrase saw some humor there.

I see you are in Wisconsin. Madison, by any chance? I went to school in that marvellous town.98.227.14.148 (talk) 16:10, 26 October 2008 (UTC) aka Emhale (talk) 16:18, 26 October 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for your reply and especially for your explanation for the origin of the use of "restriction" in molecular biology. I have further modified the glossary to incorporate your suggestions. In order to avoid circular definitions (at the risk of being overly pedantic), I first defined "restriction", and then later the "restriction enzyme". I hope this is better. Please feel free to jump in and make further edits.

Yes, I was a undergraduate at UW-Madison (graduated in 1980). I agree, Madison is a great town. Go Big Red! Boghog2 (talk) 20:29, 26 October 2008 (UTC)

"in america?"

The definition for restriction site states, "The DNA sequence that is cleaved by the restriction enzyme in america." I don't understand what america has to do with restriction sites. Elfalem (talk) 20:59, 8 October 2009 (UTC)

That was just some rare template vandalism. I've reverted it -- thanks for pointing it out. Emw (talk) 21:20, 8 October 2009 (UTC)