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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Determination of the Optimal Chromosomal Location(s) for a DNA Element in Escherichia coli Using a Novel Transposon-mediated Approach
11:12

Determination of the Optimal Chromosomal Location(s) for a DNA Element in Escherichia coli Using a Novel Transposon-mediated Approach

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Sequence-directed DNA translocation by purified FtsK.

Paul J Pease1, Oren Levy, Gregory J Cost

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3204, USA.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 1, 2005
PubMed
Summary

FtsK, an Escherichia coli DNA translocase, moves rapidly along DNA at 5 kb/s. This bidirectional motor efficiently translocates to chromosome ends, changing direction based on DNA sequences.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Biophysics
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • DNA translocases are ATP-dependent molecular motors essential for DNA processing.
  • FtsK is a key translocase in Escherichia coli, involved in chromosome segregation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To directly observe and characterize the single-molecule behavior of purified FtsK.
  • To elucidate the translocation mechanism and directionality of FtsK on DNA.

Main Methods:

  • Single-molecule observation of purified FtsK movement on DNA.
  • Measurement of translocation speed and force resistance.
  • Analysis of FtsK behavior on natural E. coli chromosomal substrates.

Main Results:

  • FtsK translocates at 5 kilobases per second, overcoming forces up to 60 piconewtons.

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Last Updated: Jul 7, 2026

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  • FtsK exhibits bidirectional movement and can reverse direction without dissociating from DNA.
  • FtsK efficiently reaches the E. coli chromosome's terminal region from various starting positions.

    • Conclusions:

    • FtsK functions as a bidirectional molecular motor on DNA.
    • Directional changes are mediated by specific, short, asymmetric DNA sequences.
    • These findings provide insights into the in vivo mechanism of FtsK-mediated chromosome segregation.