How can one create a dichotomous key for unknown bacteria?

Why? Today's methods give you much more accurate and faster ways to identify your unknown bacterium. Extract DNA, amplify and sequence one or several phylogenetic marker genes (e.g., the 16S rRNA gene, genes for other ribosomal proteins, “housekeeping” genes etc.), and search for closest relatives. read more

Creating a dichotomous key requires knowledge on the items to be identified. All dichotomous keys classify known entities, using previous knowledge and definitions. This means that the use of a dichotomous key is by definition restricted to the set of organisms used to create it. read more