The diagram below is the life cycle of a plasmodial slime mold Use this diagram to answer questions 4 & 5 below.
Life cycle stages of a plasmodial slime mold.
The structure labelled A on the above diagram is the plasmodial stage What is the purpose of the plasmodium stage in the life cycle of this organism?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The plasmodium stage (labelled A in the diagram) is a feeding and growth stage in the life cycle of a plasmodial slime mold. During this stage, the slime mold exists as a multinucleated, amoeboid mass that moves through its environment by cytoplasmic streaming.
Purpose of the Plasmodium Stage:
- Nutrient Absorption: The plasmodium engulfs and digests bacteria, fungi, and decaying organic matter through phagocytosis.
- Growth and Expansion: As it feeds, the plasmodium increases in size and spreads across surfaces, maximizing nutrient intake.
- Environmental Adaptation: The plasmodium can sense environmental conditions and migrate toward food sources or away from unfavorable conditions.
- Preparation for Reproduction: When conditions become unfavorable (e.g., lack of food, drying out), the plasmodium transitions into the fruiting body stage, leading to spore production.
Essentially, the plasmodial stage allows the slime mold to accumulate energy and resources, ensuring successful reproduction when conditions demand it.