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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #297663
Title: Use of gene sequence analyses and genome comparisons for yeast systematics

Author
item Kurtzman, Cletus

Submitted to: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/15/2013
Publication Date: 2/6/2014
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/58565
Citation: Kurtzman, C.P. 2014. Use of gene sequence analyses and genome comparisons for yeast systematics. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 64(Pt.2):325-332.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Detection, identification, and classification of yeasts has undergone a major transformation in the past decade and a half following application of gene sequence analyses and genome comparisons. Development of a database (barcode) of easily determined gene sequences from domains 1 and 2 of large subunit rRNA and from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) now permits many laboratories to accurately identify species and this has led to a doubling of known yeasts over the past decade. Phylogenetic analysis of gene sequences has resulted in major revision of yeast systematics resulting in redefinition of nearly all genera. Future work calls for application of genomics to refine our understanding of the species concept and to provide a better understanding of the boundaries of genera and higher levels of classification. This increased understanding of phylogeny is expected to allow prediction of the genetic potential of various clades and species for biotechnological applications and adaptation to environmental changes.