Question

Which of the following is a method to conduct phylogeny of protein and DNA sequences?

• A. BLAST
• B. OMNIBUS
• C. Maximum likelihood
• D. DAVID

Hint:

BLAST is widely used for sequence comparison in bioinformatics. It helps to identify sequence similarities and is fundamental in conducting phylogenetic analysis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding Phylogeny.
Phylogeny refers to the evolutionary history and relationships among individuals or groups of organisms. In computational biology, phylogenetic analysis involves constructing trees or networks that represent these evolutionary relationships, often based on sequence data such as protein or DNA sequences.
Step 2: Method for Phylogeny.
BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) is a well-known tool used for comparing an input sequence (either DNA or protein) with sequences in a database, identifying regions of local similarity. It is widely used for searching databases for sequences and for conducting phylogenetic analysis, as it helps identify homologous sequences, providing insights into evolutionary relationships.
OMNIBUS is a tool for multi-omics analysis, not directly used for phylogenetic analysis.
Maximum likelihood is a statistical method used for inferring phylogenetic trees, but it is a broader concept, not a specific tool for sequence comparison.
DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery) is a tool for functional annotation of gene lists, but not primarily for phylogeny.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is BLAST, as it is a method specifically designed for comparing and aligning protein and DNA sequences to help with phylogenetic analysis.