Incorporating molecular data in fungal systematics: a guide for aspiring researchers

TL;DR

This paper offers a comprehensive guide for aspiring researchers on incorporating molecular data into fungal systematics, detailing the steps involved and discussing the role of taxonomy in the context of DNA-based methods.

Contribution

It provides a reflective overview of the entire process of using molecular data in fungal taxonomy, aimed at helping beginners navigate the methodology.

Findings

Outlines key steps in molecular fungal systematics

Highlights importance of laboratory procedures and data analysis

Discusses the role of taxonomy in the era of molecular data

Abstract

The last twenty years have witnessed molecular data emerge as a primary research instrument in most branches of mycology. Fungal systematics, taxonomy, and ecology have all seen tremendous progress and have undergone rapid, far-reaching changes as disciplines in the wake of continual improvement in DNA sequencing technology. A taxonomic study that draws from molecular data involves a long series of steps, ranging from taxon sampling through the various laboratory procedures and data analysis to the publication process. All steps are important and influence the results and the way they are perceived by the scientific community. The present paper provides a reflective overview of all major steps in such a project with the purpose to assist research students about to begin their first study using DNA-based methods. We also take the opportunity to discuss the role of taxonomy in biology and the life sciences in general in the light of molecular data. While the best way to learn molecular methods is to work side by side with someone experienced, we hope that the present paper will serve to lower the learning threshold for the reader.