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closeA systematically executed and discussed study
Posted by Sheryl on 18 Jul 2009 at 03:29 GMT
An important point highlighted in this study is about the choice of cutoff values or application of single matrices to accept or reject the proposal for a new species. This in fact has become a critical impediment to the advancement of microbial diversity (could it be another reason for the very miniscule number of microbial species described besides being the fact that not all microbes are cultureable
????????) while polyphasic taxonomy could be the best that can be done in current settings, I would love to see the use of whole genome sequencing based phylogenetic studies for taxonomic investigations because that would probably put an end to the injudicious and discriminatory use of individual gene markers both to accept/reject
the proposal . This seems quite possible with the current sequencing platforms like solid, 454 etc. This study is another evidence in support of genome level investigations.
RE: A systematically executed and discussed study
Dhimanss replied to Sheryl on 19 Jul 2009 at 06:31 GMT
The idea of whole genome based phylogeny indeed is laudable and one may see it happening in the near future (5-10 years time). But in the developing countries and countries of sub-Saharan region and Africa, the countries with very heavy burden of mycobacterium related diseases and other infections; there is even lack of very basic amenities and it will not be very wise to expect the things changing drastically in these settings. In such settings, even if researchers could come out with a mandatory polyphasic taxonomy, that will be a big big step forward. And it will take full support starting from the very grass root levels to the WHO and other funding agencies. And this study has just shown what could be the implications without an extensive polyphasic frame work. I give thumbs up this study.