Some properties of the Pseudomonas fluorescens adhesin and antiadhesin

Some properties of the adhesion-modifying factors of Pseudomonas fluorescen s are described. Adhesin, which promotes the adhesion of R fluorescens cell s, is a hydrophobic compound of a protein nature with a molecular mass of m ore than 10 kDa located either at the cell surface or in the medium. Antiad hesin, which suppresses the adhesion of P. fluorescens cells, is a thermola bile hydrophobic compound of a nonprotein nature with a molecular mass of l ess than 3 kDa. Heating makes antiadhesin hydrophilic. The role of adhesin and antiadhesin in the adhesion and adaptation of P. fluorescens cells is d iscussed.