Defined and Semi-defined Media for the Growth of Amoebae of Physarum polycephalum

Abstract

Amoebae of the true slime mold P. polycephalum were cultured in 2 fully-defined liquid media containing amino acids, glucose, 3 vitamins and a buffered salts solution. Absolute requirements were demonstrated for methionine, hematin, thiamine and biotin, which were known to be specific requirements of the plasmodial stage. Methods are described for large-scale culture in 3 semi-defined media.