Abstract
The process of DNA segregation, the redistribution of newly replicated genomic material to daughter cells, is a crucial step in the life cycle of all living systems. Here, we review DNA segregation in bacteria which evolved a variety of mechanisms for partitioning newly replicated DNA. Bacterial species such as Caulobacter crescentus and Bacillus subtilis contain pushing and pulling mechanisms that exert forces and directionality to mediate the moving of newly synthesized chromosomes to the bacterial poles. Other bacteria such as Escherichia coli lack such active segregation systems, yet exhibit a spontaneous de-mixing of chromosomes due to entropic forces as DNA is being replicated under the confinement of the cell wall. Furthermore, we present a synopsis of the main players that contribute to prokaryotic genome segregation. We finish with emphasizing the importance of bottom-up approaches for the investigation of the various factors that contribute to genome segregation.
Highlights
In all domains of life, proliferation of organisms essentially includes a faithful replication of the genetic material to pass it on to their offspring
The ∼1–10 megabase pair (Mbp) (Blattner et al, 1997; Kunst et al, 1997; Schoolnik and Yildiz, 2000; Nierman et al, 2001) sized genomes of bacteria need to be highly condensed in order to fit inside the volume of a bacterial cell
We described various mechanisms and physical principles that underlie chromosomal segregation in bacteria
Summary
In all domains of life, proliferation of organisms essentially includes a faithful replication of the genetic material to pass it on to their offspring. We describe the compacting functions of SMCs as well as emergent insights in the role they play in organizing replicated DNA into individual sister chromosomes in anticipation of their subsequent segregation.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
