The Swarm-Cells of Myxomycetes

Abstract

A method of preparing cultures of spores of Myxomycetes, using bile salts (Na-glycocholate and Na-taurocholate) as wetting agents is descr. Increased percentages of germination were obtained in most spp., and swarm-cells were observed in many spp. not previously germinated. Collections as old as 62 years were germinated, and no correlation between age of collection and percentage of germination was found. The flagella of swarm-cells of 59 spp. were studied in temporary and permanent mounts, and it is concluded that all swarm-cells of Myxomycetes are anteriorly biflagellate, and heterocont. This indicates a closer relationship to the Plasmodiophorales than has recently been supposed. An appendix listing all spp. of Myxomycetes previously germinated, with the name of the worker and the reference, is included.