Fig. 4: The pre-NETO phase is not due to physical constraints on new cell poles.
From: A biphasic growth model for cell pole elongation in mycobacteria
a–d Schematics and corresponding time-lapse AFM of growing M. smegmatis cells. Black arrows indicate the cumulated elongation of the old pole (OP) and the new pole (NP). Scale bar, 1 μm. a Close contact of new poles of newborn sibling cells is maintained after division of the mother cell (white arrows). b Elongation of cell poles after the new pole was partially freed by ablating the turgor pressure in one of the sibling cells using the sharp AFM tip (skull). c Elongation of cell poles after the new pole was freed by removal of one of the sibling cells using the AFM cantilever. d Elongation of cell poles after the new pole was freed and the old pole was physically obstructed by moving it into contact with other cells using the AFM cantilever.
