There are plenty of natural product families that inhibit essential enzymatic functions in cell wall synthesis (e.g., ß‑lactams, glycopeptides), translation (e.g., aminoglycosides, tetracyclines) and transcription (e.g. rifampicin). Yet, there are very few (if any) natural products that specifically inhibit bacterial DNA polymerase. Why have such compounds not been found?
contributed by Micheal Malamy — As a model organism, E. coli played (and continues to play) a key role in molecular biology. Yet, its role in the gut does not appear to be so critical.
Can you conceive of a virus that can divide by binary fission?
by Elio — When we try to construct a Talmudic Question, we are concerned with the accuracy of the premise and ensuring that an answer has not been previously provided. We were toying with this one: "Bacterial endosymbionts of insects have reduced genomes but, best we know, they have not exported some of their genes to the host cell nucleus (as organelles have)...
Apparently, the total weight of Bacteria on Earth exceeds that of Archaea. How come?
by Elio — A little over 10 years ago, on Dec 1, 2006 to be precise, the first Talmudic Question made its appearance in these pages. Here is a dozen of some of my personal favorites of the 146 we have used so far.
