Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Spherule wall formation inPhysarum polycephalum

  • Published:
Protoplasma Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Microplasmodia ofPhysarum polycephalum Schw differentiate into numerous hard walled spherules when deprived of nutrients. Cleavage occurs by invagination of the plasmalemma and growth of furrows centripetally. Cleavage furrows consistently contain ruthenium red positive fibrillar material. As the spherules become more rounded, a compact layer of ruthenium red positive material surrounds their membranes. A spherule wall which does not bind ruthenium red is deposited inside of the stained layer. Clusters of spherules are enclosed by ruthenium red positive material similar to the microplasmodial slime.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Cheung, L., H. R. Henney, andW. H. Clark, Jr., 1974: Ultrastructure of pure cultures ofPhysarum flavicomum I. Conversion of a plasmodium to microplasmodia and microsclerotia, and the process of slime secretion. Cytobios9, 193–205.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Daniel, J. W., andU. Jarlfors, 1972: Plasmodial ultrastructure of the myxomycetePhysarum polycephalum. Tissue and Cell4, 15–36.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Farr, D. R., H. Amster, andJ. Horisberger, 1972: Composition and partial structure of the extracellular polysaccharide ofPhysarum polycephalum. Carbohydr. Res.24, 207–209.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goodman, E. M., andH. P. Rusch, 1970: Ultrastructural changes during spherule formation inPhysarum polycephalum. J. Ultrastruct. Res.30, 172–183.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Henney, H. R., andM. Henney, 1968: Nutritional requirements for the growth in pure culture of the MyxomycetePhysarum rigidum and related species. J. gen. Microbiol.53, 333–339.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luft, J. H., 1971: Ruthenium red and violet. I. Chemistry, purification, methods of use for electron microscopy and mechanism of action. Anat. Rec.171, 347–368.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McCormick, J. J., J. Blomquist, andH. P. Rusch, 1970: Isolation and characterization of an extracellular polysaccharide fromPhysarum polycephalum. J. Bacteriol.104, 1110–1118.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rhea, R. P., 1966: Electron microscopic observations on the slime moldPhysarum polycephalum with specific reference to fibrillar structures. J. Ultrastruct. Res.15, 349–379.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, P. A., andB. I. Stewart, 1961: Membrane formation during sclerotization ofPhysarum polycephalum plasmodia. Exp. Cell Res.23, 471–478.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stiemerling, R., 1971: Die Sklerotisierung vonPhysarum confertum. Cytobiol.3, 127–136.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wohlfarth-Bottermann, K. E., 1974: Plasmalemma invaginations as characteristic constituents of plasmodia ofPhysarum polycephalum. J. Cell Sci.16, 23–37.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zaar, K., andH. Kleinig, 1975: Spherulation ofPhysarum polycephalum. I. Ultrastructure Cytobiol.10, 306–328.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. M. A. Patterson

    Present address: Department of Virology, Baylor University, Houston, Texas

  2. R. W. Scheetz

    Present address: Department of Biology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Virology, Baylor University, Houston, Texas

    R. W. Scheetz

  2. Department of Biology, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA

    M. A. Patterson

Authors
  1. M. A. Patterson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. R. W. Scheetz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Partially supported by a grant from Research Corporation.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Patterson, M.A., Scheetz, R.W. Spherule wall formation inPhysarum polycephalum . Protoplasma 92, 253–261 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01279462

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01279462

Keywords

Search

Navigation