Restriction fragment length polymorphism

In <a href="/facts/Molecular_biology/YgqU35ub">molecular biology</a>, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) is a technique that exploits variations in <a href="/facts/Homology_(biology)/muctKlyT">homologous</a> <a href="/facts/DNA/nB89Iauz">DNA</a> sequences, known as <a href="/facts/Gene_polymorphism/6U9NzHwH">polymorphisms</a>, populations, or species or to pinpoint the locations of <a href="/facts/Gene/e1swwPY6">genes</a> within a sequence. The term may refer to a polymorphism itself, as detected through the differing locations of <a href="/facts/Restriction_site/KaQGCu6D">restriction enzyme sites</a>, or to a related laboratory technique by which such differences can be illustrated. In RFLP analysis, a DNA sample is digested into fragments by one or more <a href="/facts/Restriction_enzyme/Mg0VgkCX">restriction enzymes</a>, and the resulting restriction fragments are then separated by <a href="/facts/Gel_electrophoresis/9J3GrsFk">gel electrophoresis</a> according to their size.
RFLP analysis is now largely obsolete due to the emergence of inexpensive <a href="/facts/DNA_sequencing/hsPsNCQW">DNA sequencing</a> technologies, but it was the first <a href="/facts/DNA_profiling/NhYPDDH4">DNA profiling</a> technique inexpensive enough to see widespread application. RFLP analysis was an important early tool in <a href="/facts/Genome_mapping/QnC0Vvjx">genome mapping</a>, localization of genes for <a href="/facts/Genetic_disorder/hFqt2NLn">genetic disorders</a>, determination of <a href="/facts/Genetic_testing/H21wH0ze">risk</a> for disease, and <a href="/facts/DNA_paternity_testing/1d1tGXGa">paternity testing</a>.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism open-in-new

Restriction fragment length polymorphism