Alignment algorithms are computational methods used to arrange sequences of data, such as DNA, RNA, or protein sequences, to identify similarities and differences. These algorithms help researchers understand evolutionary relationships, functional similarities, and structural features by comparing biological sequences. Common types of alignment algorithms include global alignment, which aligns entire sequences, and local alignment, which focuses on finding the best matching subsequences. Tools like BLAST and Clustal Omega utilize these algorithms to facilitate the analysis of large biological datasets, making it easier for scientists to draw meaningful conclusions from their research.