The m gamma delta-1 element, a small gamma delta (Tn1000) derivative useful for plasmid mutagenesis, allele replacement and DNA sequencing.

Transposon gamma delta (Tn1000), a 6-kb member of the Tn3 family, is widely used for plasmid mutagenesis. A 1.8-kb derivative of gamma delta was constructed that contains the kan gene from Tn5 and the resolution (res) site from gamma delta cloned between 40-bp inverted repeats of gamma delta's delta (delta) end. This element, named m gamma delta-1, lacks the genes encoding transposase and resolvase, and therefore depends on its host to supply transposition and resolution functions. Thus, in strains lacking gamma delta, m gamma delta-1 will not transpose. The m gamma delta-1 element is shown to be useful for mutagenesis of plasmids, DNA sequencing, and allele replacement (in Streptomyces avermitilis).