FauxSeqEvolver (FaSE) Software Automates the Electronic Creation of Novel Pseudo Biological Sequences, Generating Truly Novel “Unknown” Sequences For Use In Bioinformatic Education

Abstract

Some faculty ask their students to characterize “unknown” biological sequence(s) to assess a student's skills in bioinformatics analysis and/or foster student engagement. Unfortunately, the ever expanding set of easily accessible, well characterized biological databases and student social media makes maintaining a set of “unknown” sequences challenging and tedious. In response, we have created FauxSeqEvolver(FaSE) to automate the electronic creation of biologically credible sequences whose genuine novelty will afford each student the full benefit of characterizing a unique and un‐annotated sequence. Faculty can customize the sequences FaSE creates by inputting one or more seed sequence(s) (which students shall hopefully uncover later as candidate homologs…), and by defining the timeline for evolutionary divergence and degree and nature of selective pressure. The software, which is implemented in BioPython and C++, iteratively mutates seed sequence(s) to simulate biomolecular evolutionary events. Upon completion, the software outputs include: 1) novel faux biological sequence(s) appropriate to challenge students to do their own novel bioinformatics characterization, and 2) a concise record of each sequence's unique attributes for the instructor's use in assessing the student's forthcoming characterization work. The author welcomes discussions with faculty who might desire to use FaSE or suggest ways to further enhance its utility.