# CELL DIVISION AND SURFACE GROWTH IN A "MODEL" SYSTEM

> **NIH NIH R01** · TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH · 1987 · $137,402

## Abstract

Two interrelated models have been presented which describe: 1) the regulation of
surface growth of Streptococcus faecalis by chromosome replication; and 2) a
shape-determining mechanism which directs the assembly of envelope precursors
into new cell surface.
The first model provides that during a round of chromosome synthesis a signal is
produced which results in the formation of a growth zone.  This site, once
formed, enlarges the cell surface until a second signal, produced during the
terminal stages of chromosome replication, inhibits enlargement and promotes
septation.
The second model is concerned with the construction and function of the growth
zone once it has been formed.  This model suggests that surface growth proceeds
by a regulated flow of cell wall precursors into a growth zone essentially along
two channels.  One channel would assemble a bilayered cross wall (possibly by
the addition of precursors to the leading edge of the cross wall), while a
second channel of precursors would convert this cross wall into two layers of
peripheral wall.  Under the influence of the chromosome termination signal, the
flow of precursors along this second channel would be progressively reduced in
the latter portion of the cycle.  This reduction coupled with the continued flow
of precursors into cross wall synthesis could result in cell division.

Methods have been devised which can compare the geometry of the envelope with
the macromolecular content and autolytic activity of cells.  In attempting to
test many aspects of the above models, these methods will be applied to
steady-state, synchronous, and unbalanced populations where specific inhibition
of DNA, RNA, protein, or wall biosynthesis has been induced.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3124871
- **Project number:** 5R01AI010971-16
- **Recipient organization:** TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH
- **SAM.gov UEI:** QD4MGHFDJKU1
- **Principal Investigator:** MICHAEL L HIGGINS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $137,402
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1978-05-01 → 1988-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3124871

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3124871, CELL DIVISION AND SURFACE GROWTH IN A "MODEL" SYSTEM (5R01AI010971-16). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3124871. Licensed CC0.

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