Good model for how cells deal with changes in state where large blocks of genes must be activated in response to environmental and morphogenetic cues. Eighty genetic loci identified, cloned and sequenced. Starvation induced sensory transduction chain. Spo0E down regulates phosphate flow by dephosphorylation of Spo0A. Postexponential Cell State Channeling . SinR. Cell fate is determined by the combinatorial effects of these transcriptional regulators at upstream activation sequences of critical sporulation and competence genes.
Feedback control is necessary to prevent sporulation under inappropriate conditions.
Stage II and beyond . Asymmetric internal cell division. Cascade of minor sigma factors . Sigma F activity regulated by ATP levels in the forespore - SpoIIAB repressor and SpoIIAA activator. Linkage of morphogenesis to transcriptional cell fating .