 Control of cell shape, cell division and cell-cell interaction are likely to be important in inhibiting cell proliferation and thus allocating resources to cell survival during periods of stress.Metabolically-optimal survival conditions include RpoS-dependent decreased Krebs cycle activity and increased glycolytic activity to limit the reactive oxygen species that are byproduced as a result of essential cellular processes.Pyruvate entry into the Krebs cycle is inhibited by the product of the RpoS-dependent gene "poxB".