The engineered SynEx circuit generates native-like single-cell competence dynamics and reconstitutes physiological function In Vivo. Movie of SynEx cells undergoing a transient episode of competence (overlays of phase contrast and PcomG-cfp fluorescence (in red), a reporter for competence).

Movie of a microcolony of FeBy B. subtilis cells incorporating a feedback bypass, under nutrient limitation conditions. PcomG and PcomS activities are shown in red and green colors, respectively. Competence is locked on due to the feedback bypass.

Movie of a B. subtilis microcolony under nutrient limitation conditions, showing PcomK and PcomG activities in blue and red colors, respectively. Simultaneous activation of comK and comG during competence results in a magenta color in the only cell of the microcolony that becomes competent.

Movie of a B. subtilis microcolony under nutrient limitation conditions, showing PcomG and PcomS activities in red and green colors, respectively. comS is expressed in all cells, but only one becomes competent. The two promoter activities are negatively correlated during competence.