Novel Principles and Methods in Bacterial Cell Cycle Physiology

This Science Historical Collection celebrates the inauguration of the "Charles E. Helmstetter Prize for Groundbreaking Research in Bacterial Cell Cycle Physiology" at the Ein Gedi's EMBO Workshop in December 2022. The bacterial cell cycle is fundamental to the physiology of the bacterial cell and, hence, to the many fields that depend on it. The roots of the bacterial cell cycle physiology are described in detail by several of the surviving pioneers (over 90 years of age) and selected worldwide scientists of the second generation. This issue contains contributions from the recipients of the prize who, fairly, may be said to have created our present understanding of the field. Control mechanisms of some fundamental issues of the bacterial cell cycle (e.g., chromosome replication and cell division) are elaborated and can serve as a basis for current and future discoveries.