domains or epitope tags). This flexibility means that initial clone sets will become the basis for many rounds of subcloning to permit finer experimental definition of function. The simplicity of these methods and the growth of bioinformatics and robotics facilitate production of large-scale clone sets whose experimental value increases geometrically, but only if distribution is timely, accurate, and efficient. Therefore, whereas the genome project used large numbers of clones for just one main purpose, post-genome molecular biology requires large clone sets for many inter-related purposes. This then creates opportunities—and problems—not only for investigative biologists, but also for infrastructure biologists (defined as those who created the machinery to facilitate the genome project that now needs adaptation to post-genomic biology). This Commentary explores how the distribution infrastructure may respond to this new breed of clones in the current policy framework. Distribution is undertaken by a number of specialist organizations globally. The authors of this Commentary are drawn from public sector organizations that may be working under not-for-profit policies and from the private sector. In some ways, we compete with each other, but our joint authorship—a first, as far as we are aware—reflects perhaps the most important feature of the response required by post-genome biology, the requirement for greater coordination.