Plasmodial vs Cellular Slime Molds

Study Notes

Plasmodial vs Cellular Slime Molds

Plasmodial slime molds are single large cells enclosed by a membrane without walls, containing multiple nuclei.
Cellular slime molds consist of individual unicellular protists that can aggregate into a multicellular structure in response to chemical signals.

Cellular Slime Mold Life Cycle

The vegetative phase features ameboid cells that can reproduce sexually or asexually based on environmental conditions.
During sexual reproduction, two opposite mating type cells fuse to form a diploid cell, which then phagocytizes surrounding ameboid cells to form a giant cell.
The giant cell undergoes meiosis, producing a macrocyst in which haploid spores are formed and later released.

Plasmodial Slime Mold Life Cycle

Reproduction occurs through the formation of a reproductive stalk that contains spores, appearing spherical or popsicle-like at the top.
Appropriate conditions like moisture and favorable temperatures, typically in spring and autumn, trigger the release of spores.
The plasmodium phase is diploid and gives rise to a fruiting body where meiosis occurs to produce haploid spores that germinate into flagellated gametes.
Gametes fuse to form a diploid zygote, which grows and undergoes mitotic nuclear division without cytoplasmic division, resulting in a new plasmodium.

Key Differences

Cellular slime molds remain as individual cells, or "slugs," each with one nucleus, while plasmodial slime molds are a single entity with many nuclei.
Slugs move at an average speed of 1 millimeter per hour, emitting chemical trails that attract other slugs for aggregation.
During aggregation, about a third of cells form a stalk-like fruiting body while others differentiate into spores, which are released under suitable conditions.

Description

Explore the key differences between plasmodial slime molds and cellular slime molds with these flashcards. Understand their unique reproductive strategies and life cycles, and how they interact with their environment. Perfect for biology students or enthusiasts of protist biology.