Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), a molecular biology technique, is a genomic fingerprinting method used to analyze genetic diversity and variations within populations. It combines aspects of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) techniques.
AFLP involves several steps to generate a set of DNA markers for genetic analysis. Firstly, genomic DNA is extracted from the sample of interest. Then, through enzymatic digestion, the DNA is fragmented into smaller pieces. Next, adaptors containing specific recognition sequences are ligated to the DNA fragments. These adaptors serve as primer-binding sites for subsequent amplification. Selective PCR amplification is then performed, using a few pre-selected primers, to selectively amplify specific fragments of DNA. The amplified fragments are separated using gel electrophoresis and visualized by staining with a certain dye. These fragments, also known as AFLP markers, represent polymorphic sites in the genome, as differences in the DNA sequences or variations in the copy number of fragments will result in different patterns on the gel.
AFLP is widely used in various fields, including genetics, agriculture, and evolutionary studies, to investigate genetic diversity, assess relationships between individuals or populations, and monitor the effects of selective pressures. The technique provides a high-resolution analysis of the DNA fragments, providing valuable information about genetic variations in a relatively efficient and less biased manner.
