The dynamics of the min proteins of Escherichia coli under the constant external fields

Abstract

In E. coli the determination of the middle of the cell and the proper placement of the septum is essential to the division of the cell. This step depends on the proteins MinC, MinD, and MinE. Exposure to a constant external field e.g., an electric field or magnetic field may cause the bacteria cell division mechanism to change resulting in an abnormal cytokinesis. To have insight into the effects of an external field on this process, we model the process using a set of the deterministic reaction diffusion equations, which incorporate the influence of an external field, min protein reactions, and diffusion of all species. Using the numerical method, we have found some changes in the dynamics of the oscillations of the min proteins from pole to pole when compared that of without the external field. The results show some interesting effects, which are qualitatively in good agreement with some experimental results.