Sequencing as a tool in yeast molecular taxonomy

The literature on sequencing as a tool for yeast molecular taxonomy is revi ewed. Ribosomal DNA has been preferred for sequencing over other molecules such as mitochondrial DNA, and a large database is now available. rDNA cons ists of regions that evolve at different rates, allowing comparison of diff erent levels of relationship among yeasts. Sequences of the 18S rDNA and th e 25S rDNA have been largely used for yeast systematics and phylogeny, but the search for regions with increased resolving power has led to the study of the spacer regions of the rDNA. Few studies are concerned with signature sequences.