Optimized homology searches of the gene and protein sequence data banks (Q1085103)

A strategy is presented for searching the gene and protein sequence data banks which combines the use of two previously described algorithms, see the paper of \textit{S. F. Altschul} and \textit{B. W. Erickson} reviewed above, Zbl 0606.92015, and \textit{W. J. Wilbur} and \textit{D. J. Lipman}, Rapid similarity searches of nucleic acid and protein data banks. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80, 726-730 (1983). The implementation of this strategy is thoroughly evaluated with respect to sensitivity, specificity and speed. The establishment of standard benchmarks for comparing programs that search the sequence data banks for homology is proposed.