Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
FtsZ is a protein that assembles into a ring at the future site of the septum in bacterial cell division. It is functionally analogous to tubulin in eukaryotes and is essential for cytokinesis.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
FtsZ polymerizes to form a Z-ring at the midpoint of the cell, guiding the division process.
It recruits other proteins involved in cell wall synthesis and septation.
FtsZ is regulated by several proteins to ensure proper timing and positioning of cell division.
The GTPase activity of FtsZ provides the energy required for its polymerization and depolymerization cycles.
Mutations or inhibitors targeting FtsZ can disrupt bacterial cell division, making it a potential target for new antibiotics.
The process where the cytoplasm of a single eukaryotic cell or prokaryotic cell divides to form two daughter cells.
Tubulin: A protein that polymerizes into microtubules, playing a key role in maintaining cell shape, enabling cellular transport, and facilitating mitosis in eukaryotes.
GTPase: An enzyme that hydrolyzes GTP, providing energy needed for various cellular processes including those involving cytoskeletal dynamics.