Membrane Formation and Regulation

Abstract

Membrane homeostasis in bacteria ensures survival in rapidly changing environments. Most prokaryotes utilize the essential type II fatty acid synthesis to generate lipid species required for membrane formation and adaptation. This highly conserved system consists of multiple enzymes that each catalyzes a specific reaction. FAS II is an energy-intensive process and regulatory control at both transcriptional and biochemical levels ensuring the pathway output matches the demand for new membrane. This review summarizes the steps of FASII, the key regulatory steps, and checks and balances that maintain membrane homeostasis.