R.T. Gill, M.D. Lynch, and T.E.W. Lipscomb, "Mixed-Library Parallel Gene Mapping Quantitative Micro-Array Technique for Genome-Wide Identification of Trait Conferring Genes," U.S. Pat. No. 8,467,975, Issued June 2013.

The present disclosure concerns methods and compositions relating to mixed-library parallel gene trait mapping. In particular embodiments, the methods concern quantitative microarray hybridization techniques for genome-wide identification of trait conferring genes. In other embodiments, the compositions concern genetic elements that confer or are associated with a trait. In an exemplary embodiment, the trait is enhanced growth rate. In another exemplary embodiment, genetic elements that confer enhanced bacterial growth rate comprise part of all of the sequences of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, or SEQ ID NO:5. In other embodiments, the genetic elements that confer enhanced bacterial growth rate correspond to the YliF, adrA, yeaP, yddV or ydeH genes of E. coli.