Microbiome insertion sequencing

Insertion sequencing... involves using mobile DNA elements called transposons to introduce mutations into tens of thousands of bacteria. Before adding the transposons to the bacteria, the researchers tag each transposon with an identifiable DNA “bar code” that allows each mutant bacterium to be tracked—and for the gene disrupted by the transposon to be characterized. With the new sequencing technology, researchers can follow mixed populations of these mutant strains on various growth mediums or in different environments.