Microcyst formation in the plasmodial slime moldDidymium iridis

Summary Myxamoebae ofDidymium iridis were removed from the bacterial food source and induced to encyst by transfer to 10 mM phosphate buffer. After 24 hours of induction approximately 90% of the myxamoebae had differentiated into microcysts. The kinetics of encystment were not significantly affected by pH or osmolarity of the encystment medium. Early stages of encystment were distinguished by the appearance of autophagic vacuoles and an extracellular slime-like sheath. The outer wall layer, consisting of dense fibrils, was unevenly deposited after 4 hours. An electron-lucent, second wall layer appeared between 5–10 hours followed by a densely packed, third wall layer adjacent to the plasma membrane. Wall formation appeared to involve smooth-membraned vesicles of possible Golgi origin. The vesicle contents and outer wall layer reacted with the periodic acid-silver methenamine stain for polysaccharide. The density of intramembrane particles of the protoplasmic fracture face increased during encystment with a gradual formation of aggregates of particles.Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. 3473.