What is the difference between sticky ends and blunt ends?

Question

Accepted Answer

Sticky ends and blunt ends refer to two types of ends found in DNA strands. Both types of ends are generated when the restriction enzyme cuts the DNA strand. Restriction enzymes are proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences. Depending on where and how the enzyme cuts the DNA, it will result in either sticky or blunt ends.

Basis for comparison

Sticky ends
Blunt ends

Formation
Formed when the restriction enzyme makes staggered cuts that are not directly opposite each other
Formed when the restriction enzyme makes a straight cut through both DNA strands in the same place

Physical characteristics
The ends feature overhangs that allow the two ends to base-pair and join together with another DNA strand
The ends are blunt and do not feature any overhangs or unpaired bases

Pairing
Have unpaired DNA nucleotide on either 5&rsquo;- or 3&rsquo;- strand
There is no unpaired DNA strand

Also known as 
Cohesive ends
Non-cohesive ends

Basis for comparison	Sticky ends	Blunt ends
Formation	Formed when the restriction enzyme makes staggered cuts that are not directly opposite each other	Formed when the restriction enzyme makes a straight cut through both DNA strands in the same place
Physical characteristics	The ends feature overhangs that allow the two ends to base-pair and join together with another DNA strand	The ends are blunt and do not feature any overhangs or unpaired bases
Pairing	Have unpaired DNA nucleotide on either 5’- or 3’- strand	There is no unpaired DNA strand
Also known as	Cohesive ends	Non-cohesive ends