Temperature dependence of mating-pair formation in Escherichia coli

The temperature dependence of mating-pair formation by Escherichia coli has been studied from 2 to 45 C by means of a physical assay. No mating-pair formation was found below 24 C. Between 30 and 41 C pair formation increased very rapidly, followed by an equally sharp decline between 41 and 45 C. The results are interpreted in terms of the pilus adsorption process of recipient cells and pili production by donor cells.