Interplay between chromosomal architecture and termination of DNA replication in bacteria.

Faithful transmission of the genome from one generation to the next is key to life in all cellular organisms. In the majority of bacteria, the genome is comprised of a single circular chromosome that is normally replicated from a single origin, though additional genetic information may be encoded within much smaller extrachromosomal elements called plasmids. By contrast, the genome of a eukaryote is distributed across multiple linear chromosomes, each of which is replicated from multiple origins.

A Fork Trap in the Chromosomal Termination Area Is Highly Conserved across All Phylogenetic Groups.

Termination of DNA replication, the final stage of genome duplication, is surprisingly complex, and failures to bring DNA synthesis to an accurate conclusion can impact genome stability and cell viability. In , termination takes place in a specialised termination area opposite the origin. A 'replication fork trap' is formed by unidirectional fork barriers via the binding of Tus protein to genomic sites.