DNA Sequence Assembly Program

DNA Sequence Assembly Program in Java

Project Description:

In this challenging project, I delved into the fascinating world of DNA sequence assembly, a fundamental concept in the field of bioinformatics. Drawing inspiration from real-world genetic research techniques, I set out to design and implement a sophisticated algorithm using Java to merge overlapping DNA fragments, simulating the process that scientists employ to decipher the genetic code of organisms. This endeavor greatly expanded my intellectual horizons and honed in my problem-solving skills.

Project Highlights:
Biological Significance: DNA, the code of life, is composed of triplet codons, encoding sequences of amino acids essential for protein synthesis. By replicating DNA fragments in vitro, researchers can study and analyze genetic information, potentially unlocking groundbreaking discoveries. My project emulated this crucial step by merging DNA fragments.

Greedy Algorithm: To tackle the DNA sequence assembly challenge, I adopted a "greedy" approach, which involved iteratively selecting the best matches between overlapping DNA fragments. This method mirrored the real-life sequencing process employed in laboratories worldwide.

Pairwise Alignments: I implemented pairwise alignments for DNA fragments, calculating their overlaps to determine the optimal merger. This involved meticulous comparisons between fragments, considering order and overlap length to ensure accurate assembly.

Tie-Breaking Strategy: Dealing with cases where multiple overlaps had equal lengths required a well-defined tie-breaking strategy. I designed the algorithm to prioritize shorter merged sequences, ensuring the final assembly was concise and accurate.

Key Takeaways:

This project showcased my proficiency in Java programming, algorithmic thinking, and problem-solving skills. It allowed me to explore the intriguing realm of bioinformatics while providing a practical application of advanced coding techniques. By successfully merging DNA fragments to reconstruct genetic sequences, I demonstrated my ability to address complex challenges and effectively code in Java.

My DNA Sequence Assembly Algorithm project stands as a testament to my dedication to innovation, attention to detail, and commitment to tackling real-world problems through the power of coding. This project has expanded my skillset and enhanced my problem-solving skills, equipping me to excel as a software engineer.