TeachEnG

TeachEnG provides interactive, game-based modules for teaching sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree reconstruction, supporting learning of the Needleman-Wunsch global alignment algorithm and phylogenetic methods such as Maximum Parsimony, UPGMA, and Neighbor-Joining.

Key Features:

• Interactive Learning Modules: Hands-on tasks for sequence alignment that include manual alignment and filling dynamic programming matrices using the Needleman-Wunsch global alignment algorithm.
• Phylogenetic Tree Reconstruction: Instructional modules enabling reconstruction of phylogenetic trees using Maximum Parsimony, Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), and Neighbor-Joining algorithms.
• Instant Visual Feedback: Immediate visual representation of algorithm steps and outcomes to illustrate alignments, dynamic programming matrices, and changes in tree topology.

Scientific Applications:

• Bioinformatics education: Teaching sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis concepts to students and educators in genomics and computational biology courses.

Methodology:

Implements Needleman-Wunsch global alignment and dynamic programming matrices, and implements phylogenetic reconstruction via Maximum Parsimony, UPGMA, and Neighbor-Joining; the implementation is written in JavaScript.