Figure 1

A multiple whole-genome alignment of six strains consists of 34 rearranged pieces larger than 1 kb. Each genome is laid out horizontally with homologous segments (LCBs) outlined as colored rectangles. Regions inverted relative to E. coli K-12 are set below those that match in the forward orientation. Lines collate aligned segments between genomes. Average sequence similarities within an LCB, measured in sliding windows, are proportional to the heights of interior colored bars. Large sections of white within blocks and gaps between blocks indicate lineage specific sequence.