Type II Restriction Enzymes - Restriction enzymes of this type recognize the restriction site and cleave the DNA within the recognition site or sequence.

These enzymes require Mg++ as cofactor for cleavage activity and can generate 5 -PO4 or 3 -OH.

Enzymes of this type are highly important because of their specificity. Type II restriction enzymes are further divided into two types based upon their mode of cutting.