The multi sequences alignment tool is used to compare multiple DNA or protein strands at one time. To set up a project in the multi-sequence alignment tool follow the instructions below.
- To begin comparing, navigate to the MSA link on the side of the page
- Once in the MSA tool, you will be prompted to create a new project.
- Hovering over the “All” folder will display a plus icon, clicking on it will allow you to create a project or folder.
- Click “New Project” and you will be prompted to label the project file and specify if you will be looking at protein or nucleotide sequences. Fill in the prompts appropriately, then click create.
- Once you have created a project sheet you can begin uploading your sequences. To upload the sequences, locate the upload sequences button on the top right of the screen.
- When you click on the upload sequences button a pop-up will appear where you can input your sequences or upload a FASTA file, Sequence Code, Genbank ID, or CAS RN.
- Once the input box has been populated the upload button will be activated.
- Once your sequences have been uploaded, you will get a message letting you know how many sequences were uploaded successfully and how many failed. If a sequence failed to upload, you may want to check what type of sequence it is and try reuploading it.
- Once you are happy with all the inputted sequences you can begin comparing the sequences to study the similarities and differences. The highlights help in marking these variables. Additionally, you could click on a sequence name on the far left of the screen to highlight every part of the comparison that the sequence shows up in.
