Predict the effect of greatly reduced levels of FtsZ proteins in growing E. coli

Question

Predict the effect of greatly reduced levels of FtsZ proteins in growing E. coli cells.

Hint: FtsZ proteins polymerize in the presence of GTP to form the FtsZ ring at the plane of cell division, thus initiating the formation of the divisome.

A. The FtsZ ring will form at the center of the cell but will be unable to depolymerize, leading to cells that form septa but are permanently attached and form long chains.

B. The cells will divide uncontrollably, leading to very small, almost coccoid cells.

C. The cells will continue to elongate but will be unable to form a septum and divide, leading to very elongated cells.

D. The cells would stop growing and soon die.

Please Explain, thanks.

Explanation / Answer

Answer: (C) The cells will continue to elongate but will be unable to form a septum and divide, leading to very elongated cells.

Explanation:

Since the levels of FtsZ protein is low, the FtsZ ring will not be formed at the plane of division. As a result, the cells will continue to increase in size but will not undergo division.

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