Description: Indel is a term that refers to a type of genetic mutation characterized by the insertion or deletion of nucleotides in a DNA sequence. These mutations can vary in size, from the addition or loss of a single nucleotide to the alteration of large segments of DNA. Indels are important in the study of genetics and evolution, as they can influence gene function and, consequently, the phenotypic characteristics of an organism. The presence of indels can affect the reading frame of DNA, potentially resulting in non-functional proteins or altering genetic regulation. Additionally, indels are a significant source of genetic variability and can be used as markers in genetic association studies and disease identification. In bioinformatics, the analysis of indels is crucial for interpreting DNA sequencing data, as their detection and characterization are essential for understanding genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among organisms.
