[9] Genetic fusions as experimental tools

In the past, investigators were limited by the phenotypes and biochemical assays associated with the system under study. Gene fusion technology has revolutionized bacterial genetics by permitting the investigator to adapt a property of choice to the gene of interest. This chapter discusses methods for fusion construction. Successful strategies employed using fusion strains are also summarized. With the harnessing of transposable genetic elements and widespread use of recombinant DNA techniques, the available methods for constructing genetic fusions has increased in exponential fashion. It is no longer possible to list all available methods for fusion construction, even if such a compendium is confined to Escherichia coli.