Defined and semi-defined media for the growth of amoebae of Physarum polycephalum

Amoebae of the true slime mould Physarum polycephalum were cultured in two fully-defined liquid media containing amino acids, glucose, three vitamins and a buffered salts solution. Absolute requirements were demonstrated for methionine, haematin, thiamine and biotin, all of which were known to be specific requirements of the plasmodial stage. Methods are described for large-scale culture in three semi-defined media.