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. 1996 Jul;178(13):3877–3884. doi: 10.1128/jb.178.13.3877-3884.1996

FtsZ ring formation in fts mutants.

S G Addinall 1, E Bi 1, J Lutkenhaus 1
PMCID: PMC232649  PMID: 8682793

Abstract

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.

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Selected References

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