
Sequence alignment
Sequence alignment is a method used in bioinformatics to compare and analyze DNA, RNA, or protein sequences. It involves arranging the sequences to identify similarities and differences, which can reveal evolutionary relationships or functional similarities. By aligning sequences, scientists can find conserved areas, mutations, and structures that are important for understanding biological functions. This technique is crucial for tasks like identifying genes, understanding disease mechanisms, and developing treatments, as it helps to uncover how related organisms or molecules are. In essence, it's like putting together a puzzle to see how pieces of biological information fit together.