Plasmodial slime molds

Definition

Plasmodial slime molds are unicellular eukaryotic organisms that exist as a large, multinucleate cell. They exhibit amoeboid movement and can form spore-producing structures under unfavorable conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plasmodial slime molds belong to the phylum Myxomycota.
2. They thrive in moist, decaying organic matter such as logs and leaf litter.
3. During their life cycle, they alternate between a motile plasmodium stage and a reproductive sporangium stage.
4. The plasmodium stage is characterized by cytoplasmic streaming, which aids in nutrient distribution within the organism.
5. Their spores can remain dormant for long periods and germinate when conditions become favorable.

Related terms

Amoeboid Movement: A type of cellular movement involving the flow of cytoplasm that enables cells to move and engulf particles.

Sporangium: A structure in which spores are produced and stored.

Cytoplasmic Streaming: The directed flow of cytoplasm within some cells that aids in distributing nutrients and metabolites.