FIG 1 .
(a) Three-dimensional (3D) schematics of a Gram-positive bacterium, consisting of intracellular cytoplasmic fluid contained within a hard core, composed of a lipid bilayer or membrane covered by a thick and rigid, cross-linked peptidoglycan layer. The softer, outermost cell surface may consist of a combination of proteinaceous surface appendages combined with EPS (extracellular polymeric substances). (b) Bacterium upon initial contact with a substratum surface in the absence of an external deformation force. The contact volume is represented by a cylinder with an initial area S0 and initial height h0. (c) Deformation of the bacterial contact cylinder upon application of an external force Fld to an area S and height h.