Multiple Sequence Alignment

Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA) is a method used by scientists to compare three or more biological sequences, like DNA, RNA, or proteins. It lines up these sequences to identify regions that are similar or conserved, which can reveal important functions or evolutionary relationships. By aligning sequences, researchers can see where changes or mutations have occurred and track how different organisms or genes are related. MSA helps in understanding biological functions, discovering new genes, and studying the evolution of species. It’s a key tool in genetics and bioinformatics for analyzing complex biological data systematically.