Abstract
We described in detail the spore germination events in Physarum globuliferum. Observations were made using depression slides under a computer-supported video microscope. When a spore germinated, one protoplast, one myxamoeba or one swarm cell emerged; not more than one of these was observed. Under most conditions, the release of the spore protoplast was accomplished by the splitting of the spore wall into what appeared to be a V-shaped opening. Sometimes, the spores germinated through a minute pore dissolved in the spore wall and a myxamoeba or a swarm cell emerges. Under unfavorable conditions, myxamoeba may round up to form microcysts. Swarm cells are peanut-like, with one anteriorly attached flagellum. The pseudopodium of the myxamoeba is a typical lobopodium containing endoplasm only. Key words: Myxomycete, protoplast, swarm cell, myxamoeba, microcyst.
Highlights
There have been numerous relevant studies, the detailed life cycle events are known for few myxomycetes, even for those in the order Physarales
The release of the spore protoplast was accomplished by the splitting of the spore wall into what appeared to be a V-shaped opening
The release of the spore protoplast was accomplished by the splitting of the spore wall to form what appeared to be a V-shaped opening (Figure 1a to g), especially if the spores were on agar
Summary
There have been numerous relevant studies, the detailed life cycle events are known for few myxomycetes, even for those in the order Physarales. The first report of germination of spores in myxomycetes was made by deBary (1854). Recent research shows that the products that emerge from the germinating spores include protoplasts, swarm cells and myxamoeba, formed from splits or pores. Spores of Physarum spinisporum germinated via a wedge-shaped split (Keller and Schokntcht, 1989a). Spores of Didymium annulisporum germinated by splitting, and development of flagella sometimes occurred while the protoplast was in the spore case (Keller and Schokntcht, 1989b). Germination was by a V-shaped split in the spore wall of Didymium umbilicatum, and myxamoebae were produced (de Basanta et al, 2008). Germination was by a V-shaped split in the spore wall of Didymium wildpretii, and the products included swarm cells and myxamoebae (Lado et al, 2007). Microcysts are resistant structures formed by myxamoebae, enabling myxomycetes to survive unfavorable environmental conditions (Raub and Aldrich, 1982)
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