Abstract: The invention relates to a process for determining the functionality of an artificial genetic element. An artificial genetic element designed to serve the same biological function as a native genetic element is introduced into cells, and the cells are subjected to conditions of high frequency transposon mutagenesis. Subsequently, a set of DNA sequences representative of a site of insertion of the transposable element is obtained from the cells and the frequency of insertion of the transposable element into the native genetic element and the artificial genetic element is determined. Comparing the frequency of transposon insertion allows for assigning a likelihood of functionality to said artificial functional element, which is high if the frequency of transposon insertion is essentially equal for both elements, and which is low if the frequency of transposon insertion is higher into the artificial genetic element.