Regulation of polar cap formation in the life cycle of Escherichia coli

Polar cap formation has been studied in synchronized Escherichia coli cells. It is dependent on a signal given after completion of a round of DNA replication. A 20 min time interval between the release of this signal and physical cell separation is probably the time required for the completion of polar caps. During this time murein is synthesized at an increased rate and cells are especially sensitive to penicillin.