Summary
Experimentally generated protoplasmic drops of Physarum show time-dependent differentiation processes, i.e. regeneration of plasmalemma, actomyosin fibrillogenesis and regeneration of the plasmalemma invagination system. According to Hatano (1970), caffeine treatment of drops results in a pinching off process of small translucent droplets in which specific effects of Ca++ on protoplasmic streaming phenomena were demonstrated. The light and electron microscopic investigation of the original drop reveal that the time-dependent differentiation processes, e.g. actomyosin fibrillogenesis, are not inhibited by caffeine. However, caffeine hinders the regeneration of the plasmalemma invaginations in the original drop (up to a drop age of 30–40 min). The experimental advantage of this stage of Physarum with full vitality, but without plasmalemma invaginations is discussed.
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The authors wish to thank Dr. R.L. Snipes for reading the manuscript and Mrs. B. Koeppen for technical assistance
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von Olenhusen, K.G., Jücker, H. & Wohlfarth-Bottermann, K.E. Induction of a plasmodial stage of Physarum without plasmalemma invaginations. Cell Tissue Res. 197, 463–477 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00233571
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00233571