Tn5B14

Tn5B14 is a composite transposon found in Escherichia coli. It is a derivative of the well-studied Tn5 transposon, but with specific modifications that affect its transposition properties and target site selection. The "B14" designation refers to a specific sequence within the transposon that has been found to influence its behavior. Tn5B14 carries a variety of genes, often including antibiotic resistance determinants, which can be mobilized and spread through bacterial populations via transposition. Its structure typically includes two flanking IS50 elements, which are the insertion sequences that mediate the transposition process. The genetic material located between these IS50 elements, including the B14 sequence, is what defines Tn5B14. Researchers have utilized Tn5B14 in genetic engineering and mutagenesis studies due to its ability to insert into new locations within the bacterial genome. Understanding the mechanisms of Tn5B14 transposition is crucial for comprehending bacterial genome evolution and the spread of antibiotic resistance.