Induction of a plasmodial stage of Physarum without plasmalemma invaginations.
Experimentally generated protoplasmic drops of Physarum show time-dependent differentiation processes, i.e. regeneration of plasmalemma, actomyosin fibrillogenesis and regeneration of the plasmalemma invagination system. According to Hatano (1970), caffeine treatment of drops results in a pinching off process of small translucent droplets in which specific effects of Ca++ on protoplasmic streaming phenomena were demonstrated. The light and electron microscopic investigation of the original drop reveal that the time-dependent differentiation processes, e.g. actomyosin fibrillogenesis, are not inhibited by caffeine. However, caffeine hinders the regeneration of the plasmalemma invaginations in the original drop (up to a drop age of 30--40 min). The experimental advantage of this stage of Physarum with full vitality, but without plasmalemma invaginations is discussed.
D002110:Caffeine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003609:Dactinomycin; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009068:Movement; D010804:Physarum / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013997:Time Factors
D003609:Dactinomycin; D002110:Caffeine