Extracellular chemical signal controlling phototactic behavior by D. discoideum slugs

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · Cell; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0092-8674(81)90444-X· OSTI ID:5580731

Fisher, P R; Smith, E; Williams, K L

Developing cells of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum release a low molecular weight metabolite (Slug Turning Factor, STF) which, at high uniform concentrations, interferes with phototaxis and thermotaxis by D. discoideum slugs. D. discoideum slugs migrating in darkness are repelled by (exhibit negative chemotaxis to) crude STF exudates. Dose-response curves relating the accuracies of phototaxis and negative chemotaxis to STF concentration indicate that, in both phototaxis and chemotaxis, slugs measure the ratios of STF concentrations on their opposite sides. Net STF release is enhanced by light. Researchers propose that light, focused onto the slug's distal side by its convex surface, generates a lateral STF gradient in response to which the slug turns toward the light source.

• OSTI ID: 5580731
• Journal Information: Cell; (United States), Vol. 23:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
MOLLUSCS
BEHAVIOR
ANIMAL CELLS
ANIMAL GROWTH
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
MEASURING METHODS
METABOLITES
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
QUANTITY RATIO
VISIBLE RADIATION
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GROWTH
INVERTEBRATES
RADIATIONS
550100* - Behavioral Biology
551000 - Physiological Systems
550200 - Biochemistry