The huge genome (8.7 Mb) and developmental complexity of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) present significant challenges for functional genomics. Nevertheless, effective microarrays of PCR-generated gene fragments have been generated in two laboratories, and significant information is accruing from proteome analysis. Genomewide transposon mutagenesis and highly efficient PCR-targeted gene disruption are making genetic intervention straightforward.