Abstract
Macroplasmodia of the Myxomycete Physarum polycephalum exhibit unique features suitable for radiobiologic studies on cell cycle-dependent events. Nuclear divisions are naturally synchronous due to the syncytial nature of the plasmodium (Howard, 1932). Disc-shaped surface cultures containing millions of nuclei in a single mass of protoplasm may be grown under axenic conditions up to several centimeters in diameter (Fig. 1). This multinuclear state provides the organism with an extraordinary radioresistance as far as survival is concerned. On the other hand, the perfect synchrony of the nuclear mitotic cycle offers ideal conditions to study cycle-dependent radiation effects other than mere cell killing, as for example mitotic delay, interference with nucleic acid metabolism, and enzyme regulation. This report reviews briefly experiments with ultraviolet (UV) light and soft ionizing radiation dealing with effects on the timing of synchronous nuclear mitosis and on the temporal pattern of certain “step” enzymes in Physarum plasmodia.
Dedicated to Prof. Dr. O. Hoffman-Ostenhof on his 60th birthday.
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Sachsenmaier, W., Dworzak, E. (1976). Effects of UV- and Ionizing Radiation on Mitosis and Enzyme Regulation in the Synchronous Nuclear Division Cycle of Physarum polycephalum . In: Kiefer, J. (eds) Radiation and Cellular Control Processes. Proceedings in Life Sciences. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-66455-7_29
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-66455-7_29
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