Physical map of the Azoarcus sp strain BH72 genome based on a bacterial artificial chromosome library as a platform for genome sequencing and functional analysis

Azoarcus sp. strain BH72 is a Gram-negative proteobacterium of the beta subclass; it is a diazotrophic endophyte of graminaceous plants and can provide significant amounts of fixed nitrogen to its host plant Kallar grass. We aimed to obtain a physical map of the Azoarcus sp. strain BH72 chromosome to be directly used in functional analysis and as a part of an Azoarcus sp. BH72 genome project. A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library was constructed and analysed. A representative physical map with a high density of marker genes was developed in which 64 aligned BAC clones covered almost the entire genome. (c) 2005 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.