Restriction fragments

Restriction fragments are pieces of DNA produced from enzymatic cut. Most of such fragments are generated by the use of restriction enzymes such as EcoRI from E. coli. Restriction fragments can either have blunt or sticky 'staggered' ends depending on the restriction enzyme used in the cutting process. Sticky ends either have a 3' overhang or 5' overhang. Restriction fragments can be used for several purposes, most notably creating recombinant DNA, and gel electrophoresis.