What is the primary function of isoschizomers?

Isoschizomers are specific types of restriction enzymes that recognize and cleave the same DNA sequence. Because they share this characteristic, they are often used interchangeably in molecular biology techniques. The primary function of isoschizomers is to provide flexibility in experimental design; if one enzyme is unavailable or inconvenient to use due to particular characteristics (such as the need for specific buffer conditions), researchers can utilize another isoschizomer that cuts the same sequence but may have different properties or conditions for optimal activity.

This ability to cut at the same specific site allows scientists to manipulate DNA consistently across different experiments and methods. This is crucial for applications such as cloning, where precise cutting and pasting of DNA sequences are essential for the successful insertion of genes into vectors or organisms.

In contrast, options that suggest enhancing PCR efficiency, cutting DNA at different sites, or modifying DNA molecules do not pertain directly to the specific function of isoschizomers, which is primarily about recognizing and cutting at identical sequences.