Elsevier, Current Opinion in Genetics and Development, 6(9), p. 709-714
DOI: 10.1016/s0959-437x(99)00023-4
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Complete genome sequences are becoming available for a large number of diverse species. Quantification of gene content, of gene family expansion, of orthologous gene conservation, as well as their displacement, are now possible - laying the ground for the estimation of the minimal set of proteins sufficient for cellular life. The consensus of computational results suggests a set close to 300 genes. These predictions will be evaluated by engineering of small bacterial genomes.