Chromosome segregation

The ability to visualise specific genes and proteins within bacterial cells is revolutionising knowledge of chromosome segregation. The essential elements appear to be the driving force behind DNA replication, which occurs at fixed cellular positions, the condensation of newly replicated DNA by a chromosome condensation machine located at the cell 1/4 and 3/4 positions, and molecular machines that act at midcell to allow chromosome separation after replication and movement of the sister chromosomes away from the division septum prior to cell division. This review attempts to provide a perspective on current views of the bacterial chromosome segregation mechanism and how it relates to other cellular processes.