In [[molecular biology]], '''restriction fragment length polymorphism''' ('''RFLP''') is a technique that exploits variations in homologous DNA sequences. It refers to a [[polymorphism (biology)|difference]] between samples of [[Homology (biology)|homologous]] [[DNA]] molecules from differing locations of [[restriction site|restriction enzyme sites]], and to a related laboratory technique by which these segments can be illustrated. In '''RFLP analysis''', the DNA sample is broken into pieces (digested) by [[restriction enzymes]] and the resulting ''restriction fragments'' are separated according to their lengths by [[gel electrophoresis]]. Although now largely obsolete due to the rise of inexpensive DNA sequencing technologies, RFLP analysis was the first [[DNA profiling]] technique inexpensive enough to see widespread application. RFLP analysis was an important tool in [[genome mapping]], localization of genes for [[genetic disorder]]s, determination of [[Genetic testing|risk]] for disease, and [[DNA paternity testing|paternity testing]].
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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|
