restriction-fragment-length polymorphism

genetics

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July 13, 2026

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Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) is a genetic technique used to identify variations in DNA sequences between individuals. It involves cutting DNA with specific enzymes called restriction enzymes, which produce fragments of different lengths. These variations in fragment length, or polymorphisms, can be used as genetic markers.123

RFLP was an early method used in DNA fingerprinting, a process developed by Alec Jeffreys in 1984. While RFLP requires significant amounts of high-quality DNA, newer techniques like the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have largely replaced it due to their efficiency and ability to work with smaller or degraded DNA samples. RFLPs are one type of polymorphism, alongside single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and simple sequence length polymorphisms (SSLPs), that can be used to distinguish individuals or identify genes.23

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DNA fingerprinting
…approach, which was based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technology, the DNA was then cut at specific points along the strand with proteins known as restriction enzymes. The enzymes produced fragments of varying lengths that were sorted by placing them on a gel and then subjecting the gel to…
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…approach, which was based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technology, the DNA was then cut at specific points along the strand with proteins known as restriction enzymes. The enzymes produced fragments of varying lengths that were sorted by placing them on a gel and then subjecting the gel to…
Read More

recombinant DNA
Diagnostics
These fragments, called restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), often serve as effective “genetic markers.” In forensics, DNA fragments called variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs), which are highly variable between individuals, are employed to produce what is called a “DNA fingerprint.” A DNA fingerprint can be used to determine…
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These fragments, called restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), often serve as effective “genetic markers.” In forensics, DNA fragments called variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs), which are highly variable between individuals, are employed to produce what is called a “DNA fingerprint.” A DNA fingerprint can be used to determine…
Read More