Physarum polycephalum is a myxomycete, or plasmodial slime mold. It takes on many shapes and sizes throughout its life, morphing from microscopic amoeba to a multinucleate syncytium that can be several feet across and then forming millimeter-scale delicate, mushroom-like fruiting bodies.

Physarum Polycephalum, a plasmodial slime mold, researches important problems from a non-human perspective, and enhances intellectual life on campus by helping students and colleagues to think about the world without human biases.

Physarum polycephalum is a plasmodial slime mold. The plasmodium may be ugly to some, but it is not harmful. Slime molds cause very little damage. The plasmodium ingests bacteria, fungal spores, and maybe other smaller protozoa.

In nature, Physarum polycephalum is found in multiple environments; however, the organism is most commonly found in cool, humid, dark places such as leaf litter and other organic debris in forests.

P. polycephalum is considered to be a large single celled organism with multiple diploid nuclei, meaning there are no cell walls to distinguish each nuclei.

Physarum maximizes its ability to find food by ‘remembering’ and strengthening the portions of its cytoplasm that connect to active food sources. By rhythmically contracting and expanding its body, Physarum is able to move and grow its body in search of food.

The enormous size of the cell, the easy method of in vitro cultivation, the unique life cycle and its highly visible internal cytoplasmic streaming have made it invaluable for investigations on cell cycle regulation, differentiation, cytoskeleton and locomotion. Research on P.

This stage of the life cycle, along with its preference for damp shady habitats, likely contributed to the original mischaracterization of the organism as a fungus. P….

P. polycephalum is considered to be a large single celled organism with multiple diploid nuclei, meaning there are no cell walls to distinguish each nuclei. This is when the organism is in its vegetative state.

Decomposers play a critical role in every ecosystem, transferring energy and cycling matter through the food web. Physarum polycephalum feeds on microorganisms found on dead leaf matter, such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, continuing the cycle of decomposition. Life Science, Earth and Space Science Grades: 9–12.

They feed on bacteria, protozoa, fungal spores, and other decaying organic material. The plasmodium of Physarum polycephalum is a bright yellow glistening multinucleate mass that can move in an amoeboid fashion. It ingests solid food particles in the same manner as an amoeba and can also absorb dissolved nutrients.

Physarum agar: • To subculture plasmodial Physarum use a scalpel or sterile swab to remove a dime sized piece of the plasmodia and place it in the center of the Physarum agar plate. Incubate at 25 °C and within 5–8 hours actively growing plasmodia should be present spread- ing across the plate.

Physarumis an acellular slime mold, meaning it is syncytial; nuclei are separate but there are no cell walls or membranes. The multi- nucleated organism moves and behaves like a giant amoeba. Migrating plasmodia of Physarum are typically fan-shaped and are com- posed of a network of vein-like strands or tubules.

Physarum is available year round. • Plasmodial stage are shipped in a Petri dish on Physarum agar with oats. Your Physarum should be bright yellow in color, and fan shaped. If your Physarum takes on a different appearance it may be contaminated.