Genetic analyses of restriction fragment length polymorphisms using high molecular weight DNA from sperm or lymphocytes embedded in agarose

A simple and efficient method for determining restriction fragment length polymorphism types on large numbers of individuals using small samples of peripheral blood or sperm cells is described. Whole cells embedded in low gelling/melting temperature agarose were treated with a series of enzyme, detergent, and washing steps to release high molecular weight DNA that was then digested with standard restriction enzymes such as EcoRI and PstI, electrophoresed, blotted, and probed as in normal Southern analyses. The technique should be readily adaptable to any application requiring DNA from small numbers of cells for Southern analyses or pulsed field gel electrophoresis.