Isolation and characterization of BliAI, an isoschizomer of ClaI from Bacillus licheniformis

The restriction endonuclease BliAI, an isoschizomer of ClaI, which recognizes the sequence 5'- AT¯CGAT - 3', was purified from a natural isolate identified as Bacillus licheniformis. The restriction endonuclease was isolated from cell extracts using single-step purification by phosphocellulose column chromatography. The restriction endonuclease is active at 37oC and over a wide range of pH and salt concentration. The molecular weight of the purified restriction enzyme is consistent with a value of 39 kDa.