The expression values of fucA1 gene were normalized to the values determined for the 16S rRNA gene. Absolute expression levels were calculated as fucA1/16S ratio in YSM and YGM cells, respectively. Relative mRNA expression levels (YSM/YGM ratio) were calculated as ( fucA1/ 16S ratio in YGM cells)/(fucA1/16S ratio in YSM). Each cDNA was used in triplicate for each amplification.