The whole genomic analysis in silico of 64 free-living prokaryotic species has been performed to determine the number, length, distribution, and localization of directed and inverted intragenomic repeated sequences (LRS). Three main types of lengthy (>=500 bp) repeated sequences were revealed: (a) associated with ribosomal RNA genes; (b) with copies of protein coding genes; (c) with IS-elements and genes encoding the hypothetical transposases. Lengthy repeated sequences related to transposases comprise 50 to 95% of the total number of LRS depending on the species. Intragenomic LRS associated with transposases and IS-elements can reflect the recombination potential of different prokaryotic species determining the capability for adaptive gene rearrangements as well as the cell capacity for integration of foreign genes acquired through horizontal transfer paths.
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