original_query: What is the significance of the large number of mutants in S. Typhimurium?
query: What is the significance of the large number of mutants in S. Typhimurium?
answer: The large number of mutants in S. Typhimurium enabled the development of genetic tools that led to an understanding of fundamental bacterial physiology, including genetic editing, fine structure genetic analysis, and the Ames test for carcinogens.