The major long-term objective of the research of this laboratory is to define the chromosome of Staphylococcus aureus, and thus gain a better understanding of the manner whereby extrachromosomal elements contribute to its characteristics, and the degree of diversity that exits within the genus Staphylococcus. The specific aims of this proposed research are to (l) complete the genetic continuity of the chromosome of lytic group III S. aureus, and to continue to map additional markers of this lytic group, (2) initiate the development of chromosome maps in lytic groups I and II of S. aureus (3) develop the pulse field gradient gel electrophoresis technique for use with S. aureus to study the genomic organization of the chromosome in different lytic groups, and to identify the approximate chromosomal location of new markers on the chromosome, (4) identify the chromosomal loci responsible for the recombination-deficient phenotype in lytic group I and III, and (5) identify the nature and location of the genetic deteminants of restriction and modification.
