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FtsZ ring: the eubacterial division apparatus conserved in archaebacteria
1Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66160, USA.
Molecular Microbiology
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Archaebacteria possess FtsZ, a protein crucial for cell division, similar to eubacteria. This suggests the FtsZ division ring existed in a common prokaryotic ancestor.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- FtsZ is a tubulin-like protein vital for eubacterial cell division, forming a ring that guides septation.
- Archaebacteria, prokaryotes phylogenetically closer to eukaryotes, represent a distinct kingdom of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of FtsZ in archaebacteria.
- To compare archaebacterial FtsZ with its eubacterial counterpart.
- To infer the evolutionary origin of the FtsZ division apparatus.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical analysis of FtsZ from Haloferax volcanii.
- Localization studies of FtsZ within the archaebacterial cell.
Main Results:
- Archaebacteria possess FtsZ, exhibiting biochemical similarities to eubacterial FtsZs.
- FtsZ from Haloferax volcanii functions as a GTPase.
- Archaebacterial FtsZ localizes to a ring at the division site, mirroring eubacterial septation.
Conclusions:
- The FtsZ ring is conserved in both eubacteria and archaebacteria.
- This finding indicates the FtsZ ring was present in a common prokaryotic ancestor.
- Archaebacterial FtsZ provides insights into the evolution of prokaryotic cell division.