Starvation and Cell Wall Formation in the Myxomycete physarum polycephalum

Abstract

Microplasmodia of the myxomycete physarum polycephalum were grown in submersed agitated culture. When transferred from vigorously growing cultures to non-nutrient balanced salt solution, they began to subdivide approximately 12 hours later and to form cell walls in a manner similar to that previously described for ‘aging’ cultures and for the formation of typical sclerotia.