How to Calculate Probabilities for DNA Sequences

DNA, also known as deoxyribonucleic acid, is material found in the human body that is useful in determining the genetic makeup of an individual. DNA bases consist of different letters that pair up with one another in a row to form a sequence. According the the United States National Library of Medicine, "the order, or sequence, of these bases determines the information available for building and maintaining an organism" (see Resources). Since DNA sequence is so important, it is essential that its probabilities be calculated correctly.

Things You'll Need

  • Scientific calculator
  • Pencil
  • Paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Propose a new state for the sequence using a stochastic mechanism. The United States National Library of Medicine implies that the stochastic mechanism embodies the changes of molecular signals in the sequence.

    • 2

      Calculate the acceptance probability. Such probability is either equal to 1 or to the likelihood ratio times the prior ratio times the proposed ratio.

    • 3

      Choose a uniform (0,1) random variable.

    • 4

      Accept the new proposed state and update the sequence if the random variable is less than the acceptance probability. If the random variable is more than the acceptance probability, repeat the process without updating the sequence.

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