E. coli - glucose binding in solution and immobilized at the surface were studied. Glucose is the major source of carbon for the bacteria in deprived environment. Reaction equilibrium and adsorption constants were 8 mM−1 and 1 (cell/mL)−1. Stochastic approach shows failure of biochemistry alone to describe E. coli behavior. E. coli privileged the anchored glucose after an initial transient.