Clustal
Clustal is a widely used software tool for multiple sequence alignment in bioinformatics. It helps researchers compare and align DNA, RNA, or protein sequences to identify similarities and differences among them. This alignment is crucial for understanding evolutionary relationships and functional characteristics of the sequences.
The Clustal software operates by organizing sequences into a matrix and using algorithms to find the best alignment. It offers various versions, including ClustalW and Clustal Omega, each designed to handle different types of data and alignment needs. These tools are essential for studies in genetics, molecular biology, and evolutionary biology.