Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism is a PCR-based method used in genetics research, DNA fingerprinting, and in the practice of genetic engineering. AFLP uses restriction enzymes to digest genomic DNA, followed by ligation of adaptors to the sticky ends of the restriction fragments. A subset of the restriction fragments is then selected to be amplified. This selection is achieved by using primers complementary to the adaptor sequence, the restriction site sequence and a few nucleotides inside the restriction site fragments. The amplified fragments are visualized on denaturing polyacrylamide gels either through autoradiography or fluorescence methodologies.
