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Acceleration-sensitivity threshold of Physarum.

I Block1, W Briegleb, A Wolke

  • 1DLR-Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany.

Journal of Biotechnology
|June 27, 1996
PubMed
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Physarum polycephalum slime mold cells sense gravity. Their contraction period changes with acceleration, with a low threshold of 0.1 x g indicating sensitivity to gravity.

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Gravitational biology
  • Amoeboid movement

Background:

  • Free-living cells exhibit gravisensitivity, using gravity's vector for orientation.
  • The rhythmic contractions of Physarum polycephalum are sensitive to external stimuli.
  • Previous studies showed contraction period changes in response to altered gravity (g).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the threshold of acceleration sensitivity in Physarum polycephalum.
  • To investigate the cellular response to varying gravitational forces.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a slow-rotating centrifuge microscope (NIZEMI) for controlled acceleration (0 x g to 1.5 x g).
  • Applied stepwise acceleration increases to observe cellular responses.
  • Monitored contraction period changes in Physarum polycephalum.

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Main Results:

  • The lowest acceleration level inducing a response was 0.1 x g.
  • Increased acceleration led to an increased contraction period.
  • Stimulus deprivation (reduced g) caused a decreased contraction period, with a 30-minute back-regulation observed.

Conclusions:

  • Physarum polycephalum possesses a low threshold for gravity detection (0.1 x g).
  • The cellular response to acceleration is consistent, involving changes in contraction period.
  • Large, dense cell organelles are potential candidates for gravity reception in Physarum.