Chemically induced changes in the morphology, dynamic activity and cytoskeletal organization of Physarum cell fragments.
Spherical cell fragments derived from Physarum polycephalum by caffeine-treatment were used as an experimental system to investigate the influence of 15 externally applied substances on the general morphology, motile behavior and cytoskeletal organization of the acellular slime mold. In comparison to controls, the most obvious changes observed after chemical stimulation proved to be cytokinetic activities, ameboid-like movement phenomena, intense cell surface dynamics and formation of cytoplasmic actin fibrils. The results demonstrate the high adaptability of the microfilament system in Physarum even when subjected to extreme conditions in the external environment.
Institute of Cytology and Micromorphology, University of Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany.
K
K
Brix
W
W
Stockem
J
J
Kukulies
D002110:Caffeine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010804:Physarum / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure
D002110:Caffeine