RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Divorcing Strain Classification From Species Names
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 037325
DO 10.1101/037325
A1 David A. Baltrus
YR 2016
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2016/01/19/037325.abstract
AB Confusion about strain classification and nomenclature permeates modern microbiology. Although taxonomists have traditionally acted as gatekeepers of order, the numbers of and speed at which new strains are identified has outpaced the opportunity for professional classification for many lineages. Furthermore, the growth of bioinformatics and database fueled investigations have placed metadata curation in the hands of researchers with little taxonomic experience. Here I describe practical challenges facing modern microbial taxonomy, provide an overview of complexities of classification for environmentally ubiquitous taxa like Pseudomonas syringae, and emphasize that classification and nomenclature need not be the one in the same. A move toward implementation of relational classification schemes based on inherent properties of whole genomes could provide sorely needed continuity in how strains are referenced across manuscripts and data sets.