A teaching approach from the exhaustive search method to the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm

Abstract

The Needleman-Wunsch algorithm has become one of the core algorithms in bioinformatics; however, this programming requires more suitable explanations for students with different major backgrounds. In supposing sample sequences and using a simple store system, the connection between the exhaustive search method and the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm was analyzed to more thoroughly explain this algorithm. The present study could benefit the teaching and learning of the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(3):194-204, 2017.

Keywords: Needleman-Wunsch algorithm; exhaustive search; sequence alignment; teaching.