Figure 1From: The genomics and proteomics of biofilm formationA model of the stages of bacterial biofilm development. At stage 1, the bacterial cells attach reversibly to the surface. Then, at stage 2, the cells attach irreversibly, a step mediated mainly by exopolymeric substances, and the cells lose their flagella-driven motility. At the next stage (3), the first maturation phase is reached, as indicated by early development of biofilm architecture. The second maturation phase is reached at stage 4 with fully mature biofilms, as indicated by the complex biofilm architecture. At the dispersion stage (5), single motile cells (dark cells on the figure) disperse from the microcolonies. Adapted from [27].Back to article page