overhanging end

overhanging end

the terminus of a double-stranded NUCLEIC ACID MOLECULE in which one of the strands projects beyond the end of its complementary strand. The overhang may be 3′-protruding or 5′-protruding. Overhangs may be generated by certain types of RESTRICTION ENZYME. Where overhangs are complementary to each other they form COHESIVE ENDS. See DNA (A).