The systematics of microorganisms has received a great deal of attention in recent years, particularly with the development of new methods for tracking the evolution of microbial species. The techniques for molecular genetic analysis have advanced substantially from the early work on DNA base composition to DNA/DNA hybridization and the more recent and exciting methodology of DNA and RNA sequencing. Coupled with these biochemical and molecular genetic advances are computer applications in systematics. Software for large scale data handling provides extraordinary opportunities for improved identification and classification of microorganisms.
This volume will provide an excellent means for initiating students into the excitement of microbial systematics, generated by the developments of the last few years. It is hoped that the volume will fill a need for a methodology text dealing with techniques for identification and classification of microorganisms. The techniques covered range from those that are relatively simple, including classical and rapid identification methods to those used routinely in molecular biology as, for example, the most recent procedures of DNA and RNA sequencing.