In molecular biology, restriction fragment length polymorphism, orRFLP, is a technique that exploits variations in homologous DNA sequences. It refers to a differencebetween samples of homologous DNAmolecules from differing locations ofrestriction enzyme sites, and to a related laboratory technique by which these segments can be illustrated. InRFLP analysis, the DNA sample is broken into pieces and (digested) byrestriction enzymes and the resultingrestriction 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 profilingtechnique inexpensive enough to see widespread application. RFLP analysis was an important tool in genome mapping, localization of genes forgenetic disorders, determination of riskfor disease, and paternity testing.
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