FtsZ ring formation in fts mutants.
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.
Addinall
S G
SG
Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Kansas 66160, USA.
Bi
E
E
Lutkenhaus
J
J
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D016253:Microscopy, Immunoelectron; D009154:Mutation
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; C071525:FtsZ protein, Bacteria