Skip to main content
Ch. 12 - The Eukaryotes: Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and Helminths
Tortora - Microbiology: An Introduction 14th Edition
Tortora14th EditionMicrobiology: An IntroductionISBN: 9780138200398Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 8, Problema 5

Differentiate cellular and plasmodial slime molds. How does each survive adverse environmental conditions?

Guida verificata passo dopo passo
1
Start by defining cellular slime molds: these are amoeboid protists that exist as individual cells during most of their life cycle but can aggregate to form a multicellular structure when conditions become unfavorable.
Next, define plasmodial slime molds: these exist as a large, multinucleate single cell called a plasmodium, which moves and feeds as one continuous mass without cell division.
Compare their survival strategies: cellular slime molds survive adverse conditions by aggregating into a fruiting body that produces spores, which are resistant to harsh environments and can germinate when conditions improve.
Explain how plasmodial slime molds survive: they form hardened structures called sclerotia by drying and thickening their plasmodium, allowing them to endure unfavorable conditions until moisture and nutrients return.
Summarize the key differences: cellular slime molds have a life cycle involving individual cells aggregating into a multicellular form for spore dispersal, while plasmodial slime molds remain as a multinucleate mass and survive by forming sclerotia.

Risposta video verificata per un problema simile:

Questa soluzione video è stata consigliata dai nostri tutor come utile per risolvere questo problema.
Durata del video:
2m

Concetti chiave

Ecco i concetti essenziali che devi comprendere per rispondere correttamente alla domanda.

Cellular Slime Molds

Cellular slime molds are unicellular amoeboid organisms that live independently but aggregate into a multicellular structure when food is scarce. Each cell retains its individuality during aggregation, forming a slug-like pseudoplasmodium that eventually produces spores for reproduction.
Video consigliato:
01:53
Capsules vs. Slime Layers

Plasmodial Slime Molds

Plasmodial slime molds exist as a large, multinucleate single cell called a plasmodium, formed by repeated nuclear division without cell division. This plasmodium moves as a giant amoeba, engulfing food particles, and forms fruiting bodies to release spores under unfavorable conditions.
Video consigliato:
01:53
Capsules vs. Slime Layers

Survival Strategies in Adverse Conditions

Cellular slime molds survive harsh environments by forming resistant spores after aggregation, while plasmodial slime molds form hardened structures called sclerotia. Both strategies protect the organism until favorable conditions return, enabling spore germination or plasmodium reactivation.
Video consigliato:
04:18
Surviving Inside Phagocytic Cells