Nomenclature and Protein Databases

Abstract

Unambiguous identification of organisms and molecules is necessary for science. Our Linnaean inheritance of latinized scientific names for biological organisms allows scientists, geographically dispersed and in different disciplines, in full confidence, to discuss the same organism. However in the rapidly evolving biological sciences and applied biotechnologies, a plethora of novel terms are accumulating. While much of this new vocabulary is indispensable in describing specific processes, novel compounds and organisms etc. many of these terms lead to confusion with existing terminology in a variety of fields. Prevailing guidelines on biological nomenclature and terminology prevent much confusion in the disciplines where they exist. And although many ambiguous terms will simply disappear through lack of usage, standardization of nomenclature should be encouraged where feasible.