Sequence-score significance and search space
Research context
research method · established · As of 2026-10-10
A local alignment score is evaluated against an explicit random-sequence null and search space.
Key knowledge
A local alignment score is evaluated against an explicit random-sequence null and search space. Database size and composition affect its expected chance frequency; significance is neither proof of homologous function nor a probability that an alignment is biologically correct.
Conditions and scope
- Extreme-value local-score assumptions do not justify a normal-tail calculation for arbitrary global alignment scores.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
The statistics of sequence similarity scores: Local alignment extreme-value statistics; database-search and global-score limits (full relevant tutorial)
2026-10-10 · Bounded author source inspection of sequence-score significance and search space, including the stated conditions; independent branch review is recorded separately.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- res-bio-alignment-statistics
- Revision
- research.1
- Structured reference record
- Postgraduate & research reference