The non-descript, pill-shaped cell is why we understand fundamental life processes (think DNA replication and transcription).

Light microscope images of E. coli cells in transmitted light (left) and reflected light that picks up the red fluorescence of a dye staining the cells' DNA (right). In normal cells (upper panel ...

Escherichia coli bacteria imaged by high-speed inline force mapping and fluorescence microscopy. Simultaneous topography and elastic modulus maps show a stiffening of the division site. Light and ...