Restriction fragment length polymorphism: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 14:11, 12 November 2019

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In [[molecular biology]], '''restriction fragment length polymorphism''' ('''RFLP''') is a technique that exploits variations in [[homology (biology)|homologous]] [[DNA]] sequences, known as [[polymorphism (biology)|polymorphisms]], in order to distinguish individuals, populations, or species or to pinpoint the locations of [[gene]]s within a sequence. The term may refer to a polymorphism itself, as detected through the differing locations of [[restriction site|restriction enzyme sites]], 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 [[restriction enzyme]]s, and the resulting ''restriction fragments'' are then separated by [[gel electrophoresis]] according to their size.

Although now largely obsolete due to the emergence of inexpensive [[DNA sequencing]] technologies, RFLP analysis was the first [[DNA profiling]] technique inexpensive enough to see widespread application. RFLP analysis was an important early 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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==Applications==

Analysis of RFLP variation in genomes was formerly a vital tool in genome mapping and genetic disease analysis. If researchers were trying to initially determine the chromosomal ___location of a particular disease gene, they would analyze the DNA of members of a family afflicted by the disease, and look for RFLP alleles that show a similar pattern of inheritance as that of the disease (see [[genetic linkage]]). Once a disease gene was localized, RFLP analysis of other families could reveal who was at risk for the disease, or who was likely to be a [[Genetic carrier|carrier]] of the mutant genes. RFLP test is used in identification and differentiation of organisms by analyzing unique patterns in genome. It is also used in identification of recombination rate in the loci between restriction sites.

RFLP analysis was also the basis for early methods of [[genetic fingerprinting]], useful in the identification of samples retrieved from [[forensic|crime]] scenes, in the determination of [[DNA paternity testing|paternity]], and in the characterization of [[genetic diversity]] or breeding patterns in animal populations.