Transcription of essential cell division genes is linked to chromosome replication in Escherichia coli

Cell division normally follows the completion of each round of chromosome r eplication in Escherichia coli. Transcription of the essential cell divisio n genes clustered at the mra region is shown here to depend on continuing c hromosomal DNA replication. After chromosome replication was blocked by eit her nalidixic acid treatment or thymine starvation, the transcription of th ese cell division genes was repressed significantly. This suggests a way in which cell division is controlled by chromosome replication.