DNA Illustration
Scientists look at the base pairs that compose the "rungs" of the DNA ladder to determine a genome's sequence.

Single-protein Images Show How E. coli Repairs DNA While Replicating It

  • by Bradford Luten

The success of E. coli bacteria depends on their ability to multiply very rapidly by dividing into new cells. The bacteria can divide as quickly as they can make an entire new copy of their DNA while minimizing errors. New work from researchers at the University of California, Davis College of Biological Sciences answers a key question about how E. coli fixes damage to DNA in the middle of duplicating it.  [College Article, PNAS Article]