Multiple sequence alignment tools process and align three or more biological sequences. Commonly the three sequences are protein, DNA or RNA. These programs calculate the data and give visual depictions of the alignment. DNA sequencing is a seemingly endless manual task, but with multiple sequence alignment tools, you can be finished in minutes instead of days. A multiple sequence alignment tool is a requirement in most biotechnology labs because of the user-friendly, fast software.

Complete multiple sequence alignment tools often offer more features and faster sequencing than other programs. Free multiple sequence alignment tools are also available for those who do not have the money to buy complete tools or who only need the tools for a short time. Web-based tools are available for those who can not download, who don't have the space to run other tools, or who only need a tool for one or two calculations.

1. Purchase a multiple sequence alignment tool.

2. Find free multiple sequence alignment tools.

3. Use web-based multiple sequencing alignment tools.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a multiple sequence alignment tool

Buying a multiple sequence alignment tool gives you immediate results. These complete programs offer the latest technology and customer support. Although these programs are large, they run the analysis quickly and effectively.

I recommend: Invitrogen carries an innovative biotech sequence alignment program. Buy Mafft, a multiple DNA sequencing editor and tool. Download a trial of Sequencher, a state of the art DNA multiple sequence alignment tool.

Identify shareware or freeware versions of multiple sequence alignment tools

Various multiple sequence alignment tools are available for free download. These tools are very basic and don't include any extra features. They may be difficult to learn at first, but if you can conquer the tool, these free biotech sequence alignment tools will save you hundreds of dollars.

I recommend: The Structure Based Alignment Program is a free program you download to your computer. Browse the list of free multiple sequence alignment programs at Global Computational Resources for Bioinformatics Research. Download multiple sequence alignment software at European Bioinformatics Institute.

Locate web-based multiple sequencing alignment tools

Web-based biotechnology multiple sequence alignment tools are available for those who do not want to download or buy the complete software packages. These tools are good for college students or small companies with limited computer space.

I recommend: Use Kalign, an online DNA multiple sequence alignment tool. RE-MuSiC allows you to enter information online and have results emailed or mailed to you. The Institute for Scientific Computing/CBRG provides online DNA sequence alignment tools that are free for all users.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  DNA multiple sequence alignment tools vary in size. They normally require at least 50 MB of space. File size and computer requirements are listed on each program's website.