What Is Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism?
A restriction fragment length polymorphism, or RFLP, is a variation in homologous DNA sequences. Polymorphisms are the variations in homologous DNA that occur between individuals, while the term restriction refers to the fact that small sections of DNA can be cut from a large piece using restriction enzymes. Some DNA sections have more variability than others, and sections with a high degree of variability are useful in restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Restriction fragment length polymorphism relies on the activity of restriction endonucleases. This class of enzyme is found in many bacterial species. In a bacterium, the role of restriction endonucleases is to provide protection against foreign DNA that gains access, by breaking it into pieces. In molecular research, restriction enzymes can be used to fragment DNA at known sites of variability so that the resulting fragments can be analyzed.
Related Questions
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