Microbial Gene Essentiality: Prools and Bioinformatics contains a comprehensive collection of experimental and computational strategies and techniques for microbial genome—scale essentiality studies, developed and presented by the leading groups in the field. In addition to wet—lab prools, the book describes (i) statistical methods essential for planning successful large—scale essentiality screens, as well for data evaluation and analysis; (ii) in—silico prediction of gene essentiality using genome—scale reconstructed metabolic models; and (iii) data integration and comparative analysis in the context of genomic databases. This volume provides researchers with a first—stop guide for choosing the most appropriate strategy for planned essentiality studies. Experimental and computational aspects are equally important in genome—scale gene essentiality analysis, as in all other genomic technologies, and Microbial Gene Essentiality: Prools and Bioinformatics reflects both of these aspects. All prools follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, each offering an introduction outlining the principles behind the techniques, step—by—step instructions, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding pitfalls, and are intended for both novice and expert scientists.