Understanding the mechanisms responsible for dynamics of the Z-ring is important for our understanding of cell division in prokaryotic cells. In this work, we present a minimal stochastic model that qualitatively reproduces {\it  observations of polymerization, of formation of dynamic contractile ring that is stable for a long time and of depolymerization shown by FtsZ polymer . We explore different mechanisms for ring breaking and hydrolysis. Hydrolysis is known to regulate the dynamics of other tubulin polymers like microtubules . We find that the presence of the ring allows for an additional mechanism for regulating the dynamics of FtsZ polymers. Ring breaking dynamics in the presence of hydrolysis naturally induce rescue and catastrophe events , irrespective of the mechanism of hydrolysis . Based on our model, we conclude that the Z-ring undergoes random breaking and closing during the process of cell division .
Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the formation and growth of FtsZ polymers and their subsequent formation of the Z-ring is important for gaining insight into the cell division in prokaryotic cells. In this work, we present a minimal stochastic model that qualitatively reproduces {\it in vitro observations of polymerization, formation of dynamic contractile ring that is stable for a long time and depolymerization shown by FtsZ polymer filaments. In this stochastic model, we explore different mechanisms for ring breaking and hydrolysis. In addition to hydrolysis, which is known to regulate the dynamics of other tubulin polymers like microtubules , we find that the presence of the ring allows for an additional mechanism for regulating the dynamics of FtsZ polymers. Ring breaking dynamics in the presence of hydrolysis naturally induce rescue and catastrophe events in this model irrespective of the mechanism of hydrolysis .
R
dynamics of
the formation and growth of FtsZ polymers and their subsequent formation of
R
our understanding of
gaining insight into the
A
in vitro
D
of
D
of
R
. We
filaments. In this stochastic model, we
R
Hydrolysis
In addition to hydrolysis, which
R
. We
, we
R
,
in this model
D
. Based on our model, we conclude that the Z-ring undergoes random breaking and closing during the process of cell division