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Spatial and temporal organization of replicating Escherichia coli chromosomes
Author(s) -
Lau Ivy F.,
Filipe Sergio R.,
Søballe Britta,
Økstad OleAndreas,
Barre FrancoisXavier,
Sherratt David J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2958.2003.03640.x
Subject(s) - biology , ftsz , cell division , dna replication , chromosome segregation , chromosome , escherichia coli , genetics , origin of replication , microbiology and biotechnology , dna , seqa protein domain , lineage (genetic) , origin recognition complex , circular bacterial chromosome , cell , eukaryotic dna replication , gene
Summary The positions of DNA regions close to the chromosome replication origin and terminus in growing cells of Escherichia coli have been visualized simultaneously, using new widely applicable reagents. Furthermore, the positions of these regions with respect to a replication factory‐associated protein have been analysed. Time‐lapse analysis has allowed the fate of origins, termini and the FtsZ ring to be followed in a lineage‐specific manner during the formation of microcolonies. These experiments reveal new aspects of the E. coli cell cycle and demonstrate that the replication terminus region is frequently located asymmetrically, on the new pole side of mid‐cell. This asymmetry could provide a mechanism by which the chromosome segregation protein FtsK, located at the division septum, can act directionally to ensure that the septal region is free of DNA before the completion of cell division.