Rod-shaped bacteria preserve their aspect ratios and surface-to-volume scaling by maintaining a homeostatic balance between the rates of cell elongation and division protein synthesis.
A bacterial tRNA gene set rapidly evolves, compensating the loss of one tRNA type by large duplication events that increase the gene copy number of a second, different tRNA type.
Functional analyses provide evidence for a complex Nod factor signalling where NFRe is necessary for maintaining an optimal symbiotic signalling in the susceptible root zone, and initiation of nodule primordia on the expanding root system.
The structure of the Legionella pneumophilaType IV secretion system provides the detailed molecular model of this complex molecular machine required for pathogenesis.
Genetic and molecular analyses identify and characterize an evolutionary battle over lysis timing wherein a bacteriophage delays lysis through lysis inhibition while a defensive phage satellite accelerates lysis.
For initiation of cell-wall insertion, the cross-linking enzyme PBP2 stably binds to a component of the cell envelope that is different from MreB filaments.