In a ligation reaction the religation of linearized plasmid

In a ligation reaction, the religation of linearized plasmid can be prevented by treating the plasmid with the enzyme ________.

The answer is not hydrolases

Solution

Alkaline phosphatase.

This enzyme is responsible for removing phosphate groups from many types of molecules, including nucleotides, proteins, and alkaloids. The process of removing the phosphate group is called dephosphorylation. Alkaline Phosphatase, nonspecifically catalyzes the dephosphorylation of 5´ and 3´ ends of DNA phosphomonoesters to prevent self-ligation.