Figure 6. The formation of AgmU clusters is regulated by the hardness of the substratum.

A) AgmU never formed clusters in 1% (w/v) methylcellulose. B) On 5% (w/v) agar (or agarose), AgmU-mCherry formed clusters even in large cell groups. C) Super-sized AgmU-mCherry clusters are found when cells are placed on a glass surface. Four individual cells are shown, but more than 50 cells were observed. D) AgmU^Δ8–41-mCherry did not form clusters in 1% (w/v) methylcellulose. Scale bars, 5 µm.