RFLP
Restriction
fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were the
first type of molecular markers used in linkage
studies. RFLPs arise because mutations can
create or destroy the sites recognized by
specific restriction enzymes, leading to
variations between individuals in the length of
restriction fragments produced from identical
regions of the genome.
Differences in
the sizes of restriction fragments between
individuals can be detected by Southern blotting
with a probe specific for a region of DNA known
to contain an RFLP. The segregation and meiotic
recombination of such DNA polymorphisms can be
followed like typical genetic markers.RFLP
analysis of a family can detect the segregation
of an RFLP that can be used to test for
statistically significant linkage to the allele
for an inherited disease or some other human
trait of interest.
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