Developmental cycle of D. discoideum (IMAGE)

Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -

Developmental cycle of D. discoideum

Caption

As unicellular organisms, amoebae feed on bacteria. However, once this food source is exhausted, the cells begin to flock together to form a multicellular organism. About 24 hours later, a fruiting body has formed, which carries a "yellow balloon" of spores at its tip. If the spores are carried - for example by an insect - to a new location with a richer food supply, they hatch and the cycle begins again.

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Markus Günther/Leibniz-HKI

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