Constructing Phylogenetic Trees

Time and Place:

Tuesday, April 4, 2006, 10:00-12:00
open in new windowLevine, Computer Classroom

The purpose of phylogenetic reconstruction is to attempt to estimate the phylogeny for some data (sequences).

The basic assumption is that:
For any collection of data there will be some ancestral relationship between the current (contemporay) sequences.
The dataset itself contains information that can be used to reconstruct or to infer these ancestral relationships.
This involves reconstructing a branching structure, termed a phylogeny or tree, that illustrates the relationships between the sequences.  

In order to draw a Phylogenetic Tree we need to:
Choose the correct set of sequences
Choose the correct method with the evolutionary model to fit the data (sequences)
Draw the final tree

This Tool of the Month will supply tips and suggestions for constructing a phylogentic tree to fit your data.

For further information, please contact: Irit Orr, ext. #2470, e-mail: irit.orr@weizmann.ac.il