A scientist plans to cut a segment of DNA so that it can be inserted into the DNA of a bacterium, a single celled organism. This scientist needs to use a special type of organic molecule to perform this cutting process. This molecule is

The answer is an enzyme.

When cutting DNA, scientist uses enzymes called restriction enzymes. These enzymes are naturally produced in bacteria as a defense against phages. So, enzymes cut DNA of the phages and thus inactivate it. Also, these enzymes do not cat DNA randomly, but on specific sites. This characteristic of restriction enzymes is used for some molecular biology techniques. All species' DNA contains target sites of restriction enzymes, but most organisms do not have restriction enzymes. Therefore, restriction enzymes are suitable for different techniques.