What technique can identify mutations like Factor 5 Leiden?

The technique that is most suitable for identifying specific mutations like Factor V Leiden is Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). RFLP is a molecular biology technique used to analyze variations in DNA sequences. The Factor V Leiden mutation is a specific single nucleotide change in the F5 gene that can be detected by observing alterations in the restriction sites flanking the mutation.

RFLP involves digestion of genomic DNA with restriction enzymes that recognize specific sequences. If a mutation occurs in one of these restriction sites, the pattern of the resulting DNA fragments will differ from the pattern produced by the normal sequence. By running these fragments on a gel and comparing the sizes, one can determine the presence or absence of the mutation.

This method is especially effective for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and other genetic variations that impact restriction sites. RFLP is relatively inexpensive and provides clear results, making it a valuable technique for identifying mutations like Factor V Leiden in a clinical or research setting.

Other techniques listed, such as Western Blotting and Southern Blotting, primarily focus on protein and DNA analysis, respectively, but are not designed specifically to identify mutations. Microarray Analysis is used for high-throughput genotyping and gene expression profiling