FIG 3.

Comparisons of S. mutans capacities to aggregate in the presence of sucrose-derived EPS. Strains were incubated in BHI medium supplemented with 0.1% sucrose during 24 h for visual analysis of clump formation. Intensities of cell aggregation were determined by a blind examiner and are indicated below the respective images. (A) Comparisons between blood and oral strains. (B) Comparisons between parent strain UA159 and the respective knockout mutants. (C) Comparisons of parent strain MT8148 with the respective knockout mutants.