Microbiological studies often consider bacteria on a static level, researching a single strain to understand the functions of specific genes. In this study we will take a more dynamic view of bacteria, and study how quickly they change their functions and their genes.  To do this, we will collect information on the functions and genomic sequences for a large collection of Escherichia coli strains isolated from the environment. We will use recently developed high-throughput genomic sequencing methods, as well as automated high-throughput assays of bacterial functions to collect this data. We will then be able to address several fundamental questions concerning the evolution of bacteria: how often do bacteria gain new functions? Do certain functions change quickly, while others change slowly? What genetic changes occur that allow new functions to evolve?

This project is valuable on both fundamental and applied levels.  Not only does it have the potential to greatly increase our understanding of bacterial evolution, but it also will provide new insight into the functional plasticity and diversity of E. coli, which remains an important bacteria from a public health perspective.