Timing of the formation of the prestalk and prespore zones in Dictyostelium discoideum

Abstract

AbstractVital dyes have been extensively used in many laboratories to distinguish the prestalk and prespore zones of a migrating slug in Dictyostelium discoideum. Here we present evidence that the two zones do not form immediately following aggregation, as is sometimes assumed, but only after 1–4.5 hr of migration. When the transition to the two‐toned state occurs, it changes very quickly, in a matter of approximately 10 min. Furthermore, it can be rapidly induced by submerging the slug in mineral oil. The time of appearance of the zones is correlated with previously reported changes in the distribution of cyclic AMP secretion and with changes in regulation properties along the axis of the slug.