Expression of hag-lacZ in the wild type and mecA, comK, and mecA comK, and srf (comS) mutants. Cells of each strain were grown in 2XYT (A) or CM (B and C), and samples were collected at the indicated times. hag-directed β-galactosidase activity was determined as described in Materials and Methods and in accordance with published protocols. Symbols: ▵, LAB2723 (comK hag-lacZ); ○, LAB2607 (hag-lacZ); •, LAB2724 (comK mecA hag-lacZ); ■, LAB2722 (mecA hag-lacZ); □, LAB2944 (hag-lacZ srf).