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Minicells of Bacillus subtilis.
Journal of Bacteriology
|May 1, 1973
Summary
Two Bacillus subtilis mutants, div IV-A1 and div IV-B1, were identified with defects in cell division site placement, leading to minicell production. These minicells lack DNA but retain motility and normal cell surface structures.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cell division site selection is crucial for bacterial growth and morphology.
- Mutagenesis studies are essential for understanding bacterial genetic regulation.
- Bacillus subtilis is a model organism for studying bacterial cell division.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize Bacillus subtilis mutants with altered cell division site placement.
- To investigate the properties of minicells produced by these mutants.
- To map the genetic loci of the identified mutations.
Main Methods:
- Nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis was used to generate mutants.
- Transformation was employed to transfer mutations into a standard genetic background (CU403).
- Techniques included autoradiography, electron microscopy, and chemical DNA analysis.
Main Results:
- Two mutants, div IV-A1 and div IV-B1, exhibited defective division site localization, resulting in minicell formation.
- Minicells were found to be DNA-free but possessed motility and normal cell surface characteristics.
- The div IV-A1 mutation was mapped near ura, and div IV-B1 near pheA.
Conclusions:
- Mutations affecting division site placement in Bacillus subtilis can lead to the production of anucleate minicells.
- Minicell production does not necessarily impair motility or basic cell surface integrity.
- Genetic mapping provides insights into the genes controlling cell division site selection.