Abstract

We described in detail the spore germination events in Physarum globuliferum. Observations were made using depression slides under a computer-supported video microscope. When a spore germinated, one protoplast, one myxamoeba or one swarm cell emerged; not more than one of these was observed. Under most conditions, the release of the spore protoplast was accomplished by the splitting of the spore wall into what appeared to be a V-shaped opening. Sometimes, the spores germinated through a minute pore dissolved in the spore wall and a myxamoeba or a swarm cell emerges. Under unfavorable conditions, myxamoeba may round up to form microcysts. Swarm cells are peanut-like, with one anteriorly attached flagellum. The pseudopodium of the myxamoeba is a typical lobopodium containing endoplasm only.

Key words: Myxomycete, protoplast, swarm cell, myxamoeba, microcyst.