SOE-LRed: A simple and time-efficient method to localize genes with point mutations onto the Escherichia coli chromosome

We report a powerful method to replace wild type genes on the chromosome of Escherichia coli. Employing a unique form of PCR, we generate easily constructible gene fusions bearing single point mutations. Used in conjunction with homologous recombination, this method eliminates cloning procedures previously used for this purpose.