Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
10:37
Single-cell Microfluidic Analysis of Bacillus subtilis
Published on: January 26, 2018
A bacterial cell-cycle regulatory network operating in time and space.
Harley H McAdams1, Lucy Shapiro
1Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, B300 Beckman Center, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. hmcadams@stanford.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 27, 2003
Summary
Bacterial cell cycle control relies on more than just transcriptional regulation. Nontranscriptional pathways and localized proteins, like the CtrA network in Caulobacter, are crucial for coordinating cell division.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Systems Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Bacterial cell cycle regulation involves complex signaling networks.
- Transcriptional regulatory circuits are only part of the control mechanisms.
- The Caulobacter cell cycle serves as a model system for studying bacterial cell division.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of nontranscriptional regulatory pathways in the bacterial cell cycle.
- To illustrate the role of temporally and spatially localized proteins in cell cycle control.
- To propose a modeling approach for bacterial cell cycle dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the CtrA regulatory network in Caulobacter.
- Investigation of system architecture in cell-cycle control.
- Consideration of hybrid control system modeling paradigms.
Main Results:
- Nontranscriptional pathways and localized proteins play a critical role in bacterial cell cycle control.
- The Caulobacter cell cycle exhibits a top-down control architecture with master regulatory proteins.
- Cross-module signaling coordinates functions within the cell cycle.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial cell cycle regulation is a complex interplay of transcriptional and nontranscriptional mechanisms.
- A top-down and hybrid modeling approach is likely necessary for accurately representing the bacterial cell cycle.
- Understanding these regulatory networks is key to deciphering bacterial proliferation.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
Intracellular bacteria and viruses often comprise a group of highly infectious pathogens that can cause several diseases. Bacterial pathogens include those belonging to the genus Rickettsia responsible for conditions such as rocky mountain spotted fever and the Mediterranean spotted fever; Chlamydia, a genus responsible for a sexually transmitted disease; Coxiella burnetii, an agent responsible for Q fever. Viral pathogens include vaccinia—a poxvirus, and herpes simplex virus—a virus that...
01:24Biosynthesis in Bacteria
Biosynthesis in bacteria is a fundamental anabolic process that generates essential macromolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides. These macromolecules are critical for cellular growth, replication, and function. The process is tightly regulated and energetically linked to catabolic pathways to ensure optimal resource utilization.Biosynthetic pathways begin with precursor metabolites such as pyruvate, acetyl-CoA, and glucose-6-phosphate derived from glycolysis,...
01:22Generation Time
Bacterial generation time, the period required for a bacterial population to double during its exponential growth phase, serves as a critical measure of microbial growth dynamics under optimal conditions. This parameter varies significantly across bacterial species and can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, and the availability of nutrients. For example, Escherichia coli can achieve a generation time of approximately 20 minutes, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis exhibits a much...
01:23Operon Model
The operon model represents a fundamental mechanism of gene regulation in prokaryotes, enabling coordinated expression of genes involved in related metabolic or functional pathways. Operons consist of structural genes, a promoter, and an operator, with transcription regulated by repressors, activators, and small effector molecules.Structure and Function of OperonsAn operon is a cluster of structural genes transcribed together under the control of a single promoter. The promoter region...
01:28Global Regulatory Systems
Global regulatory systems in bacteria enable rapid and coordinated responses to environmental changes by integrating sensory inputs with gene expression, ensuring efficient adaptation to fluctuating conditions. Key global regulatory mechanisms include regulons, two-component systems, sigma factors, and secondary messengers.Regulons and Global RegulatorsA regulon is a collection of genes and operons controlled by a common global regulator. These regulators enable bacteria to prioritize resource...
01:26Microbes and the Nitrogen Cycle
The nitrogen cycle is a complex biogeochemical process critical to maintaining the balance of nitrogenous compounds in ecosystems. This cycle involves multiple microbial-mediated transformations through which nitrogen changes oxidation states, supporting essential ecological functions and contributing to plant and microbial growth.Nitrogen Fixation and AmmonificationNitrogen fixation initiates the cycle by converting inert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into bioavailable ammonia (NH₃), a process...