If a mutation changes the recognition sequence for a restriction enzyme, the enzyme will not cut at that position, changing the band pattern of the digest. If the mutation is an insertion or deletion, the change in the size of the restriction fragment may be apparent in the digest by a change in the mobility of one of the bands.

endonuclease restriction enzymes aid in detecting mutations indirectly by generating specific DNA fragment patterns or affecting the sequencing results when the mutation alters their recognition sites.