Fig. 7
ComM plays a role in the resolution of chromosome dimers generated during transformation by postponing cell division. In wild-type cells, ComM delays the formation of daughter cells by inhibiting initiation of septum constriction in pre-divisional cells as well as its closure. This delay allows time for completion of transformation, replication, and chromosome segregation. It benefits transformation events leading to genome rearrangements with the creation of a chromosome dimer as an intermediate. Resolution of chromosome dimers occurs when the termini of the future sister chromosomes are aligned in the septal region55. In the absence of ComM, progressive septum closure could entrap DNA resulting in loss of genome integrity. A donor transforming DNA (red) pairing with the two copies of a partially replicated recipient chromosome is shown. The origin (Ori1 and Ori2) and the terminus (Ter1 and Ter2) regions of the sister chromosomes are indicated. For simplicity, only one replication round is shown
