Figure 5. Hfq contributes to tolerance to oxidative stress.

Bacterial growth in MDM was estimated by OD₆₀₀ measurements after 72 h in the presence of increasing concentrations of H₂O₂. (•), wild type strain 2011; (○), Δhfq mutant strain 20PS01. Values represent the relative growth of S. meliloti 2011 and 20PS01 in presence and absence of the oxidative stress agent. Each bar shows average values for n = 3 replicate cultures ± SD. The experiment was repeated twice with similar results.