restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) The occurrence of different cleavage sites for restriction enzymes in the DNA of different individuals of the same species. Cleavage of DNA from different individuals with restriction enzymes thus produces differing sets of restriction fragments. The deletion of existing restriction sites or the creation of new ones is the result of random base changes in the noncoding stretches of DNA (introns) between genes. RFLPs have provided geneticists with a powerful set of genetic markers for mapping the genome (see restriction mapping) and for identifying particular genes (see gene tracking).

restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) A mutation occurring in a sequence of DNA that causes the restriction fragment pattern to change discernibly by causing a change in the specific nucleotide sequence recognized by the restriction endonuclease.