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International Conference on Mathematical Biology and

Annual Meeting of The Society for Mathematical Biology,

July 27-30, 2009

University of British Columbia, Vancouver

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Program

MSE4c
Sean Sun
Johns Hopkins University
Title Condensation of FtsZ filaments can drive bacterial cell division
Abstract Bacterial cell division coincides with a gradual contraction of a ring of FtsZ filaments (Z-ring) at the mid cell. The mechanism of Z-ring contraction is unknown. Mechanical estimates and in vitro experiments show that the Z-ring can generate forces. Using computational modeling and fluorescence experiments, we investigate the molecular mechanism of Z-ring contraction. We show that the weak lateral attraction between filaments is sufficient to generate contractile forces. The contraction process does not require a motor mechanism. Possible experiments are proposed to test the model.
LocationWoodward 4