Why are rod-shaped bacteria rod shaped?
Generally speaking, bacteria grow and divide indefinitely, and as long as the growth conditions are maintained they retain constant dimensions and shapes with little variation. How they do this is a question that I have been considering for three decades. Here, I discuss two hypothetical mechanisms, one for Gram-positive rods and the other for Gram-negative rods. These mechanisms are consistent with what is known, but make some unproven assumptions.
Koch
Arthur L
AL
Biology Dept, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-6801, USA. koch@indiana.edu
D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D016946:Gram-Negative Aerobic Rods and Cocci / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016987:Gram-Positive Rods / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008954:Models, Biological; D008958:Models, Molecular