Cellular slime molds

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

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

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

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

• Protists
• Slime Molds
• Dictyostelium discoideum
• Acrasiomycota