Restriction fragment length polymorphism: Difference between revisions

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== Analysis (technology) ==

The basic technique for the detection of RFLPs involves fragmenting a sample of DNA by a [[restriction enzyme]], which can recognize and cut DNA wherever a [[recognition sequence|specific]] short [[base pairs|sequence]] occurs, in a process known as a [[restriction digest]]. The resulting DNA fragments are then separated by length through a process known as [[agarose gel electrophoresis]], and transferred to a membrane via the [[Southern blot]] procedure. [[Nucleic acid hybridization|Hybridization]] of the membrane to a labeled [[Hybridization probe|DNA probe]] then determines the length of the fragments which are [[Complementarity (molecular biology)|complementary]] to the probe. An RFLP occurs when the length of a detected fragment varies between individuals. Each fragment length is considered an [[allele]], and can be used in [[Geneticstics|genetic analysis]].

RFLP analysis may be subdivided into single- (SLP) and multi-locus probe (MLP) paradigms. Usually, the SLP method is preferred over MLP because it is more sensitive, easier to interpret and capable of analyzing mixed-DNA samples.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}} Moreover, data can be generated even when the DNA is degraded (e.g. when it is found in bone remains.)