Question

We will be using knowledge of RFLP and Gel Electrophoresis to solve a murder investigation. But before we do, we need some basic knowledge of technique used to identify individuals. In the following questions, make sure to fully explain the questions, all of the questions require at least a paragraph to answer.


1.Describe what is polymorphism and how do RFLP technique take advantage of this in animals and humans.
The ways in which peopl;e have different fragments of dna size when exposed to friction emzime

Answer 1

Polymorphism refers to the occurrence of two or more genetically determined variants or alleles at a locus within a population, resulting in variations among individuals. This genetic diversity can be observed in various forms, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions or deletions (indels), and more notably, in the case of Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), variations in the length of DNA fragments that arise from differences in restriction enzyme cut sites. RFLP exploits these polymorphisms by using specific restriction enzymes that cut DNA at particular sequences; individuals may possess different DNA sequences at these sites. For example, if one individual has a restriction site that is intact while another has a mutation that eliminates that site, digestion with the enzyme will yield fragments of differing lengths. When these fragments are subsequently loaded onto a gel electrophoresis setup, they will migrate at different rates according to their size; this results in distinct banding patterns on the gel. These patterns can be visualized and compared, making it possible to differentiate individuals based on their genetic makeup. In both animals and humans, RFLP provides crucial insights for applications in forensic science, paternity testing, and genetic diversity studies, as it can effectively reveal genetic relationships and lineage by highlighting specific polymorphic markers.

By targeting regions of the genome that are subject to variation and employing restriction enzymes, RFLP offers a powerful tool for identifying unique genetic profiles among individuals, aiding in investigations such as murder cases by linking biological evidence to suspects and victims based on their genetic fingerprints.