Non-random segregation of sister chromosomes in Escherichia coli.

White, Martin A; Eykelenboom, John K; Lopez-Vernaza, Manuel A; Wilson, Emily; Leach, David R F · Nature · 2008

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

It has long been known that the 5' to 3' polarity of DNA synthesis results in both a leading and lagging strand at all replication forks. Until now, however, there has been no evidence that leading or lagging strands are spatially organized in any way within a cell. Here we show that chromosome segregation in Escherichia coli is not random but is driven in a manner that results in the leading and lagging strands being addressed to particular cellular destinations. These destinations are consistent with the known patterns of chromosome segregation. Our work demonstrates a new level of organization relating to the replication and segregation of the E. coli chromosome.

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