A function of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO polar pili: twitching motility

Abstract

Twitching motility is a mode of flagella-independent surface translocation exhibited by P. aeruginosa and other bacteria on solid media. All species exhibiting it carry thin pili, usually polar. Only PAO and K strains of P. aeruginosa with retractile (PSA) pili were able to move in this way, those with no pili or nonretractile pili remaining stationary. Specific agents such as anti-pilus serum, which prevents otherwise functional pili from retracting, also prevented twitching motility.