LRBA

List of Prokaryotic names with Standing in Nomenclature

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The List of Prokaryotic names with Standing in Nomenclature (LPSN) is an online database that provides comprehensive information on the nomenclature of prokaryotes, which includes both Bacteria and Archaea. The database is a critical resource for microbiologists, taxonomists, and researchers in the field of microbiology, offering authoritative information on the validly published names of prokaryotic species.

History

LPSN was established in 1997 by Jean P. Euzéby, a French microbiologist, to address the need for a reliable and accessible source of information on the nomenclature of prokaryotes. The database was initially hosted by the Université Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France. In 2013, the responsibility for maintaining LPSN was transferred to the Leibniz Institute DSMZ (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen) in Germany.

Purpose and Scope

LPSN serves as a repository for the validly published names of prokaryotic taxa, following the rules set by the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP). The database includes information on:

• The correct spelling of prokaryotic names
• The authorship and date of publication
• The type species and type strain
• Synonyms and homonyms
• Taxonomic classification

LPSN is updated regularly to reflect new taxonomic changes and discoveries in the field of prokaryotic nomenclature.

Features

LPSN provides several features that are useful for researchers and educators:

• Search Functionality: Users can search for specific prokaryotic names, authors, or publications.
• Taxonomic Hierarchy: The database presents the taxonomic hierarchy of prokaryotes, from domain to species level.
• Nomenclatural Changes: LPSN tracks changes in nomenclature, including new names, reclassifications, and emendations.
• References and Links: The database includes references to the original publications and links to related resources, such as GenBank and PubMed.

Importance in Microbiology

LPSN is an essential tool for ensuring consistency and accuracy in the naming of prokaryotic organisms. It helps prevent confusion caused by synonyms and homonyms and provides a standardized reference for scientific communication. The database supports the work of taxonomists by providing a historical record of nomenclatural changes and facilitating the discovery of new taxa.

Also see

• International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes
• Bacterial taxonomy
• Microbial culture collections
• GenBank
• PubMed

External links

• Official LPSN website