In the absence of <i>parB</i>, division septa constrict over the nucleoid, guillotining part of the chromosome.

<p>Shown is a time lapse series of DivIVA-mCherry expressing cell in the absence of <i>parB</i>. Images were acquired every 5 minutes and time points are indicated for each time frame. DNA is stained with Hoechst (blue) and DivIVA-mCherry is shown in red. DivIVA-mCherry is recruited to the division septum, which has assembled over the chromosome (white arrowhead). The chromosome is pumped in one direction, into the cell half containing the bulk of the chromosome. The division septum constricts directly over part of the chromosome, leading to guillotining part of the chromosome (black arrowhead). See also <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0055078#pone.0055078.s006" target="_blank">Movie S5</a>.