  We review the key role played by mathematical modelling in elucidating two
centre-finding patterning systems in E. coli: midcell division positioning by
the MinCDE system and DNA partitioning by the ParABS system. We focus
particularly on how, despite much experimental effort, these systems were
simply too complex to unravel by experiments alone, and instead required key
injections of quantitative, mathematical thinking. We conclude the review by
analysing the frequency of modelling approaches in microbiology over time. We
find that while such methods are increasing in popularity, they are still
probably heavily under-utilised for optimal progress on complex biological
questions.
