Multiple sequence alignment

Multiple sequence alignment is like trying to stack many blocks of different sizes and shapes on top of each other to make a tower. But instead of blocks, we use letters and words to represent different DNA or protein sequences.

Just like how blocks have different sizes and shapes, DNA and protein sequences can vary in length and structure. We try to line up the sequences so that the same letters (or amino acids) are in the same column, just like how we try to stack blocks on top of each other so that they're straight and not wobbly.

We use computer programs to help us align these sequences because doing it by hand would take forever. The programs look for patterns in the sequences to find the best way to stack them. We can then use the aligned sequences to study similarities and differences between different species or proteins.

Overall, multiple sequence alignment helps us study and understand the relationships between different organisms and their genetic makeup.