An algorithm in bioinformatics is a step-by-step computational procedure or set of rules designed to analyze, process, and interpret biological data, such as DNA sequences, protein structures, and genetic information. These algorithms help researchers extract meaningful insights from vast biological datasets, enabling tasks like sequence alignment, genome assembly, gene prediction, and protein structure prediction. By automating these processes, bioinformatics algorithms play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of genetics, evolution, and disease mechanisms, aiding in the development of new treatments and therapies.