Biochemical Classification of Yeasts

Abstract

IN a discussion of yeast taxonomy from a biochemical point of view, Barnett¹ made some valuable suggestions for its improvement. These emphasized : (1) the possibility that each group of yeasts may require its own particular set of biochemical tests ; (2) that many of the biochemical tests now used in yeast taxonomy are of dubious value ; (3) that our present understanding of the diverse biochemical processes carried out by these organisms is often very inadequate. The author accepted the view that taxonomy should embody a synthesis of results from various fields of inquiry, and that the progressive growth of knowledge necessarily renders any system of classification impermanent.