Q1. FtsZ and the Min system of proteins are known to control binary cell division in most bacteria. We discovered the functionality of these proteins by working with temperature-sensitive mutants.
What makes a mutant temperature-sensitive?
Why can't you just use a mutant with an FtsZ knockout (i.e.: it doesn't make FtsZ at all)? Why do we need to use a temperature-sensitive mutant instead?
We know what the phenotype of an FtsZ mutant grown at the nonpermissive temperature is (we should, anyway...). What do you think the phenotype of a MinC mutant grown at a nonpermissive temperature is (what do those cells look like)?
What would be the phenotype of a MinC mutant grown at a permissive temperature?