Open AccessFtsZ ring formation in fts mutants
Author(s) -
Stephen G. Addinall,
Erfei Bi,
Joe Lutkenhaus
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
journal of bacteriology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.652
H-Index - 246
eISSN - 1067-8832
pISSN - 0021-9193
DOI - 10.1128/jb.178.13.3877-3884.1996
Subject(s) - ftsz , mutant , immunoelectron microscopy , biology , cytoskeleton , microbiology and biotechnology , ring (chemistry) , gene , genetics , chemistry , cell , antibody , organic chemistry
The formation of FtsZ rings (Z rings) in various fts mutants was examined by immunoelectron microscopy and immunofluorescence. In two temperature-sensitive ftsZ mutants which form filaments with smooth morphology, the Z ring was unable to form. In ftsA, ftsI, and ftsQ mutants, which form filaments with an indented morphology, Z rings formed but their contraction was blocked. These results indicate that fully functional ftsA, ftsQ, and ftsI genes are not required for Z-ring formation and are unlikely to have a role in localization of the Z ring. The results also suggest that one function of the Z ring is to localize the activity of other fts gene products.