restriction fragment length polymorphism

noun

: variation in the length of a DNA fragment produced by a specific restriction enzyme acting on DNA from different individuals that usually results from a gene mutation and that may be used as a genetic marker

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

restriction fragment length polymorphism

noun

: variation in the length of a restriction fragment produced by a specific restriction enzyme acting on DNA from different individuals that usually results from a gene mutation (as an insertion or deletion) and that may be used as a genetic marker

called also RFLP