Cellular slime molds

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Cellular Slime Molds are a group of protists that are of great interest to both mycologists and protozoologists. They are not true slime molds (myxomycetes), but they have a similar life cycle and appear superficially similar. The cellular slime molds spend most of their lives as separate, amoeboid cells, but upon the release of a chemical signal, the individual cells aggregate to form a multicellular organism.

Life Cycle[edit | edit source]

The life cycle of cellular slime molds is unique and complex. It begins with the release of spores from a mature fruiting body. These spores germinate into individual, amoeboid cells that feed on bacteria in the soil. When food becomes scarce, the cells release a chemical signal that triggers the aggregation phase. The cells come together to form a multicellular slug-like organism that can move towards heat and light. This slug eventually forms a fruiting body, which releases spores to begin the cycle again.

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

Cellular slime molds are classified in the phylum Acrasiomycota in the kingdom Protista. There are two main families within this phylum: the Dictyosteliidae, which includes the well-studied species Dictyostelium discoideum, and the Acrasidae, which includes species that form smaller, less complex fruiting bodies.

Research and Applications[edit | edit source]

Cellular slime molds are used as model organisms in a variety of research fields, including cell biology, developmental biology, and genetics. Their unique life cycle and ability to switch between unicellular and multicellular states make them particularly useful for studying questions related to cell communication, differentiation, and the evolution of multicellularity.

See Also[edit | edit source]


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD