Non-random segregation of sister chromosomes in Escherichia coli

Nature. 2008 Oct 30;455(7217):1248-50. doi: 10.1038/nature07282.

Abstract

It has long been known that the 5' to 3' polarity of DNA synthesis results in both a leading and lagging strand at all replication forks. Until now, however, there has been no evidence that leading or lagging strands are spatially organized in any way within a cell. Here we show that chromosome segregation in Escherichia coli is not random but is driven in a manner that results in the leading and lagging strands being addressed to particular cellular destinations. These destinations are consistent with the known patterns of chromosome segregation. Our work demonstrates a new level of organization relating to the replication and segregation of the E. coli chromosome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cephalexin / pharmacology
  • Chromosome Segregation*
  • Chromosomes, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Chromosomes, Bacterial / metabolism*
  • DNA Replication
  • DNA, Bacterial / biosynthesis
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Deoxyribonucleases / metabolism
  • Enzyme Induction / drug effects
  • Escherichia coli / cytology*
  • Escherichia coli / enzymology
  • Escherichia coli / genetics*
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / metabolism
  • Exonucleases / metabolism
  • Models, Biological

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • SbcC protein, E coli
  • Deoxyribonucleases
  • Exonucleases
  • sbcD protein, E coli
  • Cephalexin