Organization of the European Bacillus subtilis Genome Sequencing Project

Abstract

The genome of Haemophilus influenzae (1.8 megabases) has been entirely sequenced (Fleischmann et al., 1995). Several genome sequencing projects of other model organisms have been initiated (see also Chapters 36, 38–44). The sequencing of the Bacillus subtilis genome (4.2 megabases) is an attractive choice, since genetic analysis in this organism is highly advanced. The advantages of such a systematic approach have recently been described (Glaser et al., 1993; Sorokin et al., 1993). It allows us to get a complete blueprint of the genetic content of an organism and it contributes key information to the understanding of molecular evolution. Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria diverged more than 2 billion years ago (Woese, 1987), underscoring the importance of sequencing in parallel the genomes of both Escherichia coli and B. subtilis.