What are "sticky ends" in DNA?

Sticky ends refer to short, single-stranded overhangs that are created when DNA is cut by certain restriction enzymes. These overhangs can form hydrogen bonds with complementary sequences of DNA, allowing different DNA fragments to join together in a specific manner. This property is particularly useful in molecular biology and genetic engineering for cloning purposes, as it enables the joining of DNA from different sources, facilitating the creation of recombinant DNA. The ability of sticky ends to bond with complementary sequences enhances the efficiency of these processes by providing a more stable connection compared to blunt ends, which do not have such overhangs.