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Related Experiment Videos

A New Mating Compatibility Locus in PHYSARUM POLYCEPHALUM.

P J Youngman1, D J Pallotta, B Hosler

  • 1Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139.

Genetics
|April 1, 1979
PubMed
Summary

Mating efficiency in Physarum polycephalum is controlled by a tetrapolar system. A compatibility locus (matB) significantly influences plasmodium formation rate and extent, impacting genetic crosses.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Plasmodium formation is crucial for the life cycle of Physarum polycephalum.
  • Mating-type (mt) alleles regulate compatibility in amoebal fusions.
  • Variability in mating efficiency has been observed but not fully explained.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the factors influencing the rate and extent of plasmodium formation in Physarum polycephalum.
  • To genetically analyze the variability observed in mating efficiency.
  • To elucidate the genetic basis of mating specificity in this organism.

Main Methods:

  • Mating tests were conducted using largely isogenic amoebal strains.
  • Systematic observation and quantification of plasmodium formation.

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  • Genetic analysis to identify controlling loci.

    • Main Results:

    • Significant variability in plasmodium formation was observed, ranging from rapid and extensive to slow and inefficient.
    • Plasmodium formation was 10^3- to 10^4-fold more extensive in "rapid" crosses compared to "slow" crosses.
    • A multiallelic compatibility locus (matB) was identified as a key determinant of mating efficiency.

    Conclusions:

    • The mating efficiency in Physarum polycephalum is governed by a tetrapolar mating specificity system.
    • The identified compatibility locus (matB) and the mating type locus (matA) together define this system.
    • Understanding this system is crucial for genetic studies and manipulation of Physarum polycephalum.