How can a mutation that alters a recognition site be detected by gel electrophoresis?
First, DNA that is mutated and unmutated must be cut with the same restriction enzyme. When these two strains of DNA are run through gel electrophoresis side by side, the mutated DNA will have fewer bands and at least one that does not move as far as the normal DNA. This is because the the restriction enzyme would not cut at the mutated recognition site. The difference in bands in the agarose gel will easily be detected.
