What is the primary purpose of using specific enzymes in biotechnology?

The primary purpose of using specific enzymes in biotechnology is to facilitate chemical reactions. Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for those reactions to occur. This ability to accelerate processes is crucial in various biotechnological applications, including genetic engineering, fermentation, and bioprocessing.

For instance, in DNA manipulation, enzymes such as restriction endonucleases are used to cut DNA at specific sites, which is essential for cloning and other genetic modifications. Additionally, enzymes such as ligases join DNA fragments, while polymerases are used for synthesizing DNA or RNA, all playing critical roles in research and industrial processes.

In contrast, promoting cellular division addresses only one aspect of cellular biology and does not encompass the broader functionality and utility of enzymes. Maintaining cell structure and supporting growth pertain to other cellular and physiological processes but do not capture the fundamental role that enzymes play in facilitating the chemical transformations that are foundational to biotechnological advancements.