Surface Properties Correlated with Sex Compatibility in Escherichia coli

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Abstract
Sex incompatible (F-) strains of Escherichia coli have a lower acid agglutination point, a stronger affinity for a basic dye and a greater stability in broth cultures as compared with F+ strains of corresponding phenotype. These findings indicate a correlation between some surface properties and sex compatibility. These surface properties and the F+ state are transmitted infectively from F+ to F- strains at the same time. Screening for cultural behavior of infected strains yields results fully consistent with screening for sex compatibility.