Using Sequence Information to Assess Evolutionary Relationships

Abstract

Synopsis Using biological information as "traits" for the construction of phylogenetic trees is now a common occurrence in the study of evolutionary biology. Many tools have been developed for measuring or estimating the relatedness of proteins or for use in finding a better understanding of the potential functions for a protein of interest. These tools are powerful, but are prone to misunderstanding, and have several potential pitfalls for nonexperts. This entry will explain the basics of sequence alignment and production of phylogenetic trees.