FtsZ and the division of prokaryotic cells and organelles

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2005 Nov;6(11):862-71. doi: 10.1038/nrm1745.

Abstract

Binary fission of many prokaryotes as well as some eukaryotic organelles depends on the FtsZ protein, which self-assembles into a membrane-associated ring structure early in the division process. FtsZ is homologous to tubulin, the building block of the microtubule cytoskeleton in eukaryotes. Recent advances in genomics and cell-imaging techniques have paved the way for the remarkable progress in our understanding of fission in bacteria and organelles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / cytology*
  • Bacteria / ultrastructure
  • Bacterial Physiological Phenomena
  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
  • Bacterial Proteins / physiology*
  • Cell Division*
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / chemistry
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / physiology*
  • Organelles / physiology*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • FtsZ protein, Bacteria