M. splendens
encodes at least two FtsZ proteins, one which is targeted to
the mitochondria (MsFtsZ-mt) and the other to the chloroplast
(MsFtsZ-cp). The amino acid sequence of MsFtsZ-mt is most similar
to the FtsZs of alpha-proteobacteria, the bacterial group from
which the ancestor of mitochondria was derived.
Antibodies raised against MsFtsZ-mt
indicate it co-localises to dividing or, recently divided regions,
of mallomonas mitochondria where it forms rings.
MsFtsZ-mt is therefore probably involved
in dividing the mitochondria of Mallomonas - see Beech
et al, 2000.
Scanning EM
of a Mallomonas upon which the mitochondria (red) have
been superimposed.
Mitotracker
image of mitochondria
Immunfluoresence
image of MsFtsZ-mt
MsFtsZ-mt superimposed
on Mitotracker showing co-localisation
