Fine Structure of Five Species of Myxomycetes with Clustered Spores*

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. Electronmicroscopic studies were made of 5 species of Myxomycetes with clustered spores to determine the exact mechanism holding the spores together. In Dianema corticatum the neighboring spore walls were closely appressed and appeared to be fused at numerous points. In Trichia synsporum there was a substance between the outer spore walls of adjacent spores which seemed to cement them together. In Badhamia nitens the spore walls were completely fused along their closely appressed surfaces. The adjacent spores of Badhamia versicolor appeared to be free, or if any fusion point was present it was only at the tips of the ornamentation. In Physarum bogoriense such tips were in contact with those of neighboring spores and were occasionally fused at these points.