On Bacterial Adhesion – The Effect of Certain Enzymes on Adhered Cells of a Marine Pseudomonas sp.

Abstract
A model system with cells of a marine Pseudomonas sp. adhered to glass is described. The weakening action on the adhesion by treatment with protein and carbohydrate splitting enzymes [protease, pronase, trypsin and .alpha.-amylase] was observed by fluorescence microscopy. From the strong loosening effects on adhered cells by proteolytic enzymes, the bacterial adhesion via a protein can be inferred. The bacterial envelope protein(s) is discussed as a probable adhesive protein. [The adhesion process may be important for bacterial growth.].
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