The term ''molecular scissors'' generally refers to

Options

A. DNA polymerases
B. RNA polymerases
C. Restriction endonculeases
D. DNA ligase

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Term "Molecular Scissors":**
- The term "molecular scissors" refers to enzymes that can cut DNA at specific locations. This is a crucial function in molecular biology and genetic engineering.

2. **Identifying the Options:**
- The options provided are:
- A) DNA polymerases
- B) RNA polymerases
- C) Restriction endonucleases
- D) DNA ligase

3. **Analyzing Each Option:**
- **DNA Polymerases:** These enzymes are responsible for synthesizing DNA molecules from nucleotides. They do not cut DNA, so this option is incorrect.
- **RNA Polymerases:** These enzymes synthesize RNA from a DNA template. Like DNA polymerases, they do not cut DNA, making this option incorrect as well.
- **Restriction Endonucleases:** These are enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, effectively acting as "molecular scissors." This option is correct.
- **DNA Ligase:** This enzyme is responsible for joining DNA fragments together. It does not cut DNA, so this option is also incorrect.

4. **Conclusion:**
- After analyzing all the options, the only enzyme that fits the description of "molecular scissors" is **C) Restriction endonucleases**.

**Final Answer:** C) Restriction endonucleases

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