Extended Data Fig. 2: PmB causes surface protrusions on exponential phase E. coli MG1655 and only when glucose is present in stationary phase cells.

Exponential (Exp) or – (Stat) E. coli cells were exposed to PmB (4 µg ml⁻¹) in MM ± glucose and samples taken at the indicated time points. In keeping with the data from AFM studies, stationary phase cells exposed to PmB in the presence of glucose began to show surface protrusions from ~30 min, which increased over time. Conversely, stationary phase cells exposed to the polymyxin without glucose showed minimal to no surface protrusions. PmB triggered surface protrusions in exponential phase cells whether glucose was present or not. Images for stationary phase cells at 120 min are shown again in an enlarged image to highlight differences in surface appearance. Scale bar represents 400 nm (N = 1).