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Genetic surveys reveal the diversity of bacteria and lead to the questioning of species concepts used to categorize bacteria. One difficulty in defining bacterial species arises from the high rates of recombination that results in the transfer of DNA between relatively distantly related bacteria. Barriers to this process, which could be used to define species naturally, are not apparent. Here, we review conceptual models of bacterial speciation and describe our computer simulations of speciation. Our findings suggest that the rate of recombination and its relation to genetic divergence have a strong influence on outcomes. We propose that a distinction be made between clonal divergence and sexual speciation. Hence, to make sense of bacterial diversity, we need data not only from genetic surveys but also from experimental determination of selection pressures and recombination rates and from theoretical models.

Original publication

DOI

10.1126/science.1127573

Type

Journal article

Journal

Science (New York, N.Y.)

Publication Date

01/2007

Volume

315

Pages

476 - 480

Addresses

Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK. c.fraser@imperial.ac.uk

Keywords

Bacteria, Streptococcus, Recombination, Genetic, Models, Genetic, Computer Simulation, Genetic Speciation, Genetic Variation, Bacterial Physiological Phenomena