Gibson assembly is a simple, robust method for assembling multiple DNA fragments without restriction-ligation cloning. Our group routinely uses this method for assembling multiple fragments of DNA into larger constructs, in one step. We generally use Gibson assembly for assemblies of up to ~5 fragments and final construct size of ~20kb; for larger assemblies we usually use yeast homologous recombination. The method Introduction from Daniel Gibson, et. al., is as follows: 'An isothermal, single-reaction protocol for assembling multiple, overlapping DNA molecules by the concerted actions of a 5’-exonuclease, a DNA polymerase, and a DNA ligase is described. The DNA fragments are first recessed to produce ssDNA overhangs that are specifically annealed, and then they are covalently joined. This assembly protocol can be used to seamlessly construct synthetic and natural genes, genetic pathways, and entire genomes. This method could be a very useful molecular engineering tool.'The original Gibson assembly protocol is here: http://www.nature.com/protocolexchange/protocols/554The following protocol has minor modifications/optimizations developed that were developed at the Stanford Genome Technology Center (SGTC). They are marked with an asterisk (*) and the reasoning is in italics.