Electric Field Detaches Tethered C. crescentus and Drives Bacterial Rolling MotionBacterial tethering to solid surfaces facilitates many crucial functions in their natural habitats. The goal of this research is to understand the mechanisms of cell body tethering to solid surfaces. In particular, this project studies the tethering and detaching mechanisms of C. crescentus. We apply an electric field as a means to detach the cells from the surface. By manipulating the field strength and observing its influence on the tethered cell, we found that the tethering strengths of the younger, swarmer cells is stronger than that of the older, especially, pre-divisional cells. We found that a 1000V/m electric field was sufficient to detach some tethered pre-divisional cells, causing them to roll over solid surface; the same field strength was insufficient to detach tethered swarmer cells.Zheng, JoycreatorJay X. TangadvisorBrown University. PhysicsBrown University. Karen T. Romer Undergraduate Teaching and Research Awardsresearch programBacteriaElectric fieldsEnglishstill imagepostersriuProvidence, RIBrown University20181 posterborn digital10.26300/ddew-8535