Mechanisms of bacterial cell division; implications for deposition of the complement membrane attack complex.

Abstract

This thesis discusses the cell wall structure of Gram-positive bacteria during the division cycle and aims to correlate this to binding of the human complement system. It will cover cell wall structure during division and sporulation of Gram-positive bacteria. This thesis aims to give a compact overview of the mechanisms of cell division of three important Gram-positive species: Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus). Cell division of Escherichia coli will be discussed to highlight similarities and differences between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.