Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing nucleic acids from an environment sample, more particularly a method for obtaining a library of nucleic acids from a sample. The invention also concerns nucleic acids of nucleic acid libraries obtained by said method their use in the synthesis of novel compounds, in particular novel compounds of therapeutic interest. The invent further concerns novel means used in the method for obtaining said nucleic acids, such as novel vectors and novel processes for preparing such vectors or recombinant host cells containing said nucleic acid. Finally, the invention concerns methods for detecting a nucleic acid of interest within a library of nucleic acids resulting from said method, and nucleic acids detected by said method and polypeptides encoded by said nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of creating genetic diversity. The invention also relates to methods of making nucleic acid libraries and their uses to screen for biological activities. The invention can be used to create, improve or modify nucleic acid sequences or repertoire, particularly from non-cultivable microorganisms and finds various applications in the medical, food, agriculture or veterinary industries, for instance. The invention particularly uses and discloses in situ gene shuffling.