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DNA Replication in E. coli: The Solution

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DNA Replication in E. coli: The Solution

Sandwalk (Free subscription) | 05/11/2008

In an earlier posting I described a problem that we often use to encourage critical thinking in our undergraduates. The problem is how can E. coli divide faster that the time it takes to replicate it's chromosome? [DNA Replication in E. coli: The Problem] Recall that DNA replication always begins at an origin of replication. In bacteria there is usually one origin per chromosome or plasmid. (

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A cellular riddle

A Blog Around The Clock (Free subscription) | 05/11/2008

It takes 38 minutes for the E.coli genome to replicate. Yet, E.coli can bo coaxed to divide in a much shorter time: 20 minutes. How is this possible? Larry poses the riddle and provides the solution . The key is that complex biochemical processes are taught sequentially, one by one, because that is how we think and process information. Yet, unless there is a need for precise timing (in which case...