Why Is Phylogenetic Inference a Difficult and Computationally Intensive Problem

question 21

Essay

Why is phylogenetic inference a difficult and computationally intensive problem? What solution do evolutionary biologists use to address this problem?

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Definitions:

Organism's Entire Genome

The complete set of genetic material, including all of its genes and non-coding sequences, present in an organism.

Dideoxynucleotides

Modified nucleotides used in DNA sequencing that terminate DNA synthesis.

Deoxynucleotides

The fundamental components of DNA, which include a phosphate group, deoxyribose (a type of sugar), and a nitrogen-containing base.

DNA Sequencing Reactions

Laboratory methods used to determine the precise sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule.