BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool)

BLAST, or Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, is a powerful computer program used in bioinformatics to compare DNA, RNA, or protein sequences against large databases. It helps researchers identify similarities and differences between sequences, allowing them to find potential matches or related sequences from other organisms. This can provide insights into evolutionary relationships, gene functions, or disease mechanisms. By breaking down sequences into smaller parts, BLAST quickly highlights regions of similarity, making it a vital tool for studies in genetics, genomics, and molecular biology.