FIG 5.

Both matrix components are important for ICEBs1 conjugation. (A) Donor and recipient cells deleted for the epsA–O (eps) and tasA operons were mated together or with WT cells on MSgg. The first genotype shown represents the donor genotype, while the second represent the recipient. Statistical analysis showed that absence of matrix and nonproduction from the recipient cells reduced significantly ICEBs1 transfer efficiency (one-way ANOVA; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001). (B) Donor and recipient cells mutated for either eps or tasA operon were mated on MSgg. Statistical analysis showed that absence of either exopolysaccharides or amyloid-like fibers in both donor and recipient decreases ICEBs1 transfer significantly. However, eps donors and tasA recipients can complement each other and restore the WT level of conjugation, while tasA donors and eps recipients are significantly different from WT pairs (one-way ANOVA; *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01). For both panels, mating efficiency was measured after 20 h at 30°C. The results shown are representative of at least three independent experiments, and error bars represent the SEM.