Attachment and rosette formation by hyphomicrobia.

The processes of reversible and irreversible sorption of Hyphomicrobium sp. strain ZV580 to solid surfaces was investigated with the use of swarmer cell populations. Various compounds and physical conditions were examined for their effect on the cell-cell interactions which lead to the formation of rosette-like cell aggregates. The monosaccharides galactose and mannose were able to completely inhibit rosette formation. Concanavalin A and chloramphenicol were also able to prevent rosette formation, and both trypsin and pronase caused the disassociation of rosettes. The results indicate that the adhesin is a glycoprotein or a peptido-polysaccharide and that the flagellum may act as a vehicle for the transport of this adhesin from the cell to a surface.