Phenotypic screening of Escherichia coli K-12 Tn5 insertion libraries, using whole-genome oligonucleotide microarrays.

Complete genome sequences in combination with global screening methods allow parallel analysis of multiple mutant loci to determine the requirement for specific genes in different environments. In this paper we describe a high-definition microarray approach for investigating the growth effects of Tn5 insertions in Escherichia coli K-12. Libraries of insertion mutants generated by a unique Tn5 mutagenesis system were grown competitively in defined media.