Question

1.) A researcher unexpectedly identified mutant bacteria deficient in the FtsZ protein. Their growth appeared filamentous, and displayed incomplete cell division. Explain the role of the FtsZ protein and how a deficiency would account for this altered growth.

2.)Why could understanding bacterial cell division have practical medical applications?

Answer 1

Solutions

1. The FtsZ protein (Filamenting temperature sensitive Z protein) is required for the cell division of most bacterial species. Mutant species of bacteria which lack this protein fail to divide properly.rather, they elongate into long filaments. The protein itself is a GTPase that polymerizes in a head-to-tail manner to form single-stranded filaments (with the help of nucleotides). The final structure so formed is called a Z-ring, which is a type of contractile ring, and acts as the future site of the septum of a dividing bacterial cell. This protein is also the first of many proteins to assemble at the site of division, and it directs the recruitment of other proteins to the site of cell division. Finally, it also exerts cytokinetic forces that aid in cell division.

2. Because of its importance in the division of bacterial cells, the FtsZ protein has been explored as a potential target for novel anti-bacterial drugs. The basic principle is that targeting this protein would inhibit the growth of bacterial cells, and hence aid in the medication process. Hence, it is imperative to have a deeper understanding of the cell division process, and the various players that are involved in the same. At this point, no broad spectrum anti-bacterial FtsZ ligand has been identified. Hence, further research is required in this domain.