Insertion Sequence (IS) elements are mobile genetic elements widely distributed among bacteria. Their activities cause mutations, promoting genetic diversity and sometimes adaptation. Previous studies have examined their copy number and distribution in Escherichia coli K-12 and natural isolates. Here, we map most of the IS elements in E. coli B and compare their locations with the published genomes of K-12 and O157:H7.
Laboratoire Plasticité et Expression des Génomes Microbiens, CNRS FRE2383, Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, Fance. dominique.schneider@ujf-grenoble.fr
