Figure 6. Scheme of the hypothetical influence of FtsZ·SlmA·SBS condensation on the action of SlmA over FtsZ in bacterial division.

1. (1) Under predivision conditions, SlmA·SBS may partially recruit FtsZ forming FtsZ·SlmA·SBS condensates, which may accumulate in transient microenvironments. Condensation into liquid droplets may aid in FtsZ·SlmA·SBS localization nearby the membrane. (2) Under division conditions, the amount of SlmA at midcell decreases and other elements would compete for the interaction with FtsZ that would leave the condensates and, (3) in the presence of GTP, would form a membrane‐anchored FtsZ ring. In non‐central regions, FtsZ would still be under the control of SlmA, which protects the chromosomes from scission by aberrant division ring formation.
2. Scheme of the self‐association of FtsZ. In its GDP form, FtsZ is found as an ensemble of species of small size. GTP binding induces its assembly into fibers that disassemble upon depletion of the nucleotide by FtsZ GTPase activity.