title: Isolation and characterization of a component of the surface sheath of Dictyostelium discoideum.
abstract: Aggregates of Dictyostelium discoideum are surrounded by a surface sheath which functions to maintain polarity and integrity during development. We have isolated and partially characterized a component of the surface sheath. It is composed of 60% cellulose, 15% protein, 3% heteropolysaccharide (heteropolymer), 5% lipid, and 1% sulfate when isolated from migrating slugs. The sheath, isolated from aggregates prior to tip formation, has less protein, a different heteropolymer, and cellulose of a lower crystallinity than the sheath of migrating slugs. The increase in crystallinity of the cellulose during development may be important in determining the strength of the surface sheath.
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000032:analysis; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000032:analysis*; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D004023:Dictyostelium / Q000032:analysis*; D004187:Disaccharides / Q000032:analysis; D005656:Fungal Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D008563:Membrane Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D009235:Myxomycetes / Q000032:analysis*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D002241:Carbohydrates; D004187:Disaccharides; D005656:Fungal Proteins; D008563:Membrane Lipids; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011134:Polysaccharides