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Concurrent processes set E. coli cell division

TitleConcurrent processes set E. coli cell division
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsMicali, G, Grilli, J, Osella, M, Cosentino Lagomarsino, M
JournalSci Adv
Volume4
Issue11
Paginationeaau3324
Date Published2018 Nov
ISSN2375-2548
Abstract

A cell can divide only upon completion of chromosome segregation; otherwise, its daughters would lose genetic material. However, we do not know whether the partitioning of chromosomes is the key event for the decision to divide. We show how key trends in single-cell data reject the classic idea of replication-segregation as the rate-limiting process for cell division. Instead, the data agree with a model where two concurrent processes (setting replication initiation and interdivision time) set cell division on competing time scales. During each cell cycle, division is set by the slowest process (an "AND" gate). The concept of transitions between cell cycle stages as decisional processes integrating multiple inputs instead of cascading from orchestrated steps can affect the way we think of the cell cycle in general.

DOI10.1126/sciadv.aau3324
Alternate JournalSci Adv
PubMed ID30417095
PubMed Central IDPMC6224021

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