MscS adaptation is absent in whole spheroplast recording configuration. A typical dataset recorded in an excised patch illustrating adaptation: (A) current decay as a result of adaptation and (C) a substantial (∼16%) midpoint shift in an experiment with two ramps separated by an 80-s step of subthreshold pressure. In the first case, a short (0.5-s) saturating test pulse was applied to the patch at the end of the step to reveal the non-inactivated fraction of the channel population. (B and D) A similar dataset obtained in whole spheroplast recording mode under steps or ramps of positive pressure. The responses to sustained pressure steps recorded on the same entire spheroplast show no current decay, yet the saturating pressure pulse at the end reveals that part of the population enters a tension-insensitive inactivated state (B). The two saturating ramps separated by a 40-s step of subthreshold pressure display identical responses with the same midpoint (D). In A and B, channels were stimulated with a 9-s step of intermediate pressure, followed by a 0.5-s saturating test pulse.