A structured controlled vocabulary of anatomies of the slime-mold Dictyostelium discoideum.
Unicellular haploid myxamoebae that feeds on bacteria by phagocytosis and divides by binary fission. The size of vegetative cells range from 12-20 microns by 8-12 microns. The cells exhibit a roughly rounded but rather irregular shape.
Area covered by a group of chemotactic cells converging toward the same aggregation center. Can reach a diameter of up to 1 cm.
First adherent mass of cells observed during development, relatively flat with indistinct borders.
Hemispherical structure composed of post-aggregative cells that are undergoing differentiation.
Hemispherical structure composed of post-aggregative cells that are undergoing differentiation and that have formed a tip.
Cylindrical structure that is formed by elongation of the mound under the control of the tip. The elongating tip is called the first finger.
When the conditions are not optimal for the completion of development, the standing slug bends from a vertical position to a horizontal position, producing a migratory that slug has the ability to migrate towards more favorable environmental conditions. The slug is cylindrical in shape with a rounded, tapering region at its anterior end that is raised with respect to the substratum. It usually measures between 0.8 to 1.2 mm in length with a diameter of 0.15 to 0.25 mm. Slugs sense and respond to light, temperature and acidity, and do not enter culmination until the conditions are optimal. The slug can move at a speed of 0.5 to 2 mm per hour. A trail of slime is deposited on the surface during migration.
Structure formed after the arrest of slug migration formed when cells of the posterior region of the slug move under the tip. Stalk tube formation is initiated at this stage.
Structure in which stalk tube formation has progressed down the prespore zone. Basal disc formation begins at this stage, with the migration of pstA and pstB cells to the lower part of the culminant to form the basal disc.
Structure in which stalk tube formation has progressed down to the basal disc. The sorogen ascents up the stalk to it apical position during this stage. Terminal differentiation occurs at this stage: death of the stalk cells and encapsulation of the spores.
Dicty asexual organism which is terminally differentiated and consists of a long stalk on top of which sits the sorus that contains spores. The mature fruiting body measures between 1.5 to 3 mm in height.
Macroscopic appearance of groups of chemotactic cells orienting themselves in a head to tail fashion as they are migrating in the direction of the chemotactic stimulus to form aggregates.
Acellular material composed of polysaccharides and proteins, formed during late aggregation and that holds the cell mass together in the aggregate.
Acellular material composed of polysaccharides and proteins that holds the cell mass together in the mound.
Elongated protusion of the tipped mound located on top of the cell mass that contains pstA cells flanked by pstO cells (expressing ecmA from the proximal and the distal part of its promoter, respectively).
Region of the tipped mound mostly composed of prespore cells. In addition to prespore cells, the prespore region contains anterior-like cells (ALC) that express ecmA and/or ecmB.
Acellular material composed of polysaccharides and proteins that holds the cell mass together in the tipped mound.
Elongated protrusion of the standing slug located on top of the cell mass that contains pstA cells flanked by pstO cells (expressing ecmA from the proximal and the distal part of its promoter, respectively).
Part of the prestalk region of the standing slug that acts as an organizer, that is, a signalling center that directs the morphological characteristics of the entire organism.
Most apical region of the prestalk zone of the standing slug characterized by high expression of the ecmA gene directed by the proximal part of its promoter (ecmA promoter).
Area of the prestalk zone of the standing slug located posterior to the prestalk A region and characterized by low expression of the ecmA gene directed by the distal part of its promoter (ecmO promoter).
Cone-shaped area of the prestalk zone of the standing slug that occupies a core among the pstA region. Cells of the pstAB region express both the ecmA and ecmB genes.
prestalk AB core region of the standing slug
Region of the standing slug mostly composed of prespore cells. In addition to prespore cells, the prespore region contains anterior-like cells (ALC) that express ecmA and/or ecmB. The prespore region occupies about three quarters of the organism.
Region of the standing slug in contact with the substratum and composed of prestalk B cells.
Outer-most cell layer surrounding the standing slug. The peripheral layer is composed of electron-dense cells that are connected to each other, forming a coherent tissue.
Characterisation of an epithelium-like layer of cells in the multicellular Dictyostelium discoideum slug. M Fuchs, MK Jones, KL Williams - Journal of Cell Science, 1993. ISSN:0021-9533. not indexed in PubMed.
Acellular material composed of polysaccharides and proteins that holds the cell mass together in the standing slug.
The prestalk region of the migratory slug is located at the anterior of the organism. It consists of about one quarter of the cells.
Part of the prestalk region of the migratory slug that acts as an organizer, that is, a signalling center that directs the morphological characteristics of the entire organism. The tip guides the movement of the organism during migration.
Anterior-most region of the prestalk zone of the migratory slug and characterized by high expression of the ecmA gene directed by the proximal part of its promoter (ecmA promoter).
prestalk AO region of the migratory slug
Area of the prestalk zone of the migratory slug located posterior to the prestalk A region and characterized by low expression of the ecmA gene directed by the distal part of its promoter (ecmO promoter).
Cone-shaped area of the prestalk zone of the migratory slug that occupies a core among the pstA region. Cells of the pstAB region express both the ecmA and ecmB genes.
prestalk AB region of the migratory slug
prestalk AB core region of the migratory slug
Region of the migratory slug composed mostly of prespore cells. In addition to prespore cells, the prespore region contains anterior-like cells (ALC) that express ecmA and/or ecmB. The prespore region occupies about three quarters of the organism.
Region located at the very posterior of the migratory slug that contains pstB cells (rearguard cells). These cells form the basal disc in the mature fruiting body.
Outer-most cell layer surrounding the migratory slug. The peripheral layer is composed of electron-dense cells that are connected to each other, forming a coherent tissue.
Acellular material composed of polysaccharides and proteins that holds the cell mass together in the migratory slug.
The prestalk region of the early culminant is located at the most apical part of the organism. It consists of about one quarter of the cells.
Anterior-most region of the prestalk zone of the early culminant characterized by high expression of the ecmA gene directed by the proximal part of its promoter (ecmA promoter).
prestalk A region of the early culminant
Area of the prestalk zone of the early culminant located posterior to the pstA region and characterized by low expression of the ecmA gene directed by the distal part of its promoter (ecmO promoter).
prestalk O region of the early culminant
Cone-shaped area of the prestalk zone of the early culminant that occupies a core among the pstA region. Cells of the pstAB region express both the ecmA and ecmB genes.
prestalk AB region of the early culminant
prestalk AB core region of the early culminant
Region of the early culminant mostly composed of prespore cells. In addition to prespore cells, the prespore region contains anterior-like cells (ALC) that express ecmA and/or ecmB. The prespore region occupies about three quarters of the organism.
Region of the prespore zone of the early culminant that borders the prestalk region. This region gives rise to the upper cup of the fruiting body.
prespore/anterior region of the early culminant
Open, cylindrical tube of the early culminant composed of cellulose and glycoprotein and surrounded by a ring of actin in which stalk cells accumulate.
Region of the prespore zone of the early culminant that borders the base. This region gives rise to the lower cup of the fruiting body.
prespore/base region of the early culminant
Region of the early culminant located at the closest to the substratum composed of pstB cells that originated from rearguard cells.
Layer surrounding the mexican hat and composed of an electron-dense cell type.
Acellular material composed of polysaccharides and proteins that holds the cell mass together in the early culminant.
The prestalk region of the mid culminant is located at the most apical part of the organism. It consists of about one quarter of the cells.
Anterior-most region of the prestalk zone of the mid culminant characterized by high expression of the ecmA gene directed by the proximal part of its promoter (ecmA promoter).
Area of the prestalk zone of the mid culminant located posterior to the prestalk A region and characterized by low expression of the ecmA gene directed by the distal part of its promoter (ecmO promoter).
Cone-shaped area of the prestalk zone of the mid culminant that occupies a core among the pstA region. Cells of the pstAB region express both the ecmA and ecmB genes.
prestalk AB core region of the mid culminant
Tubular structure of the mid culminant that consists of cellulose-covered cells stacked on top of each other and surrounded by an acellular stalk tube composed of cellulose and glycoprotein.
Synonym from Kessin book p. 12-13; Kessin book p. 193.
Open, cylindrical tube of the mid culminant composed of cellulose and glycoprotein and surrounded by a ring of actin in which stalk cells accumulate.
Region of the mid culminant mostly composed of prespore cells. In addition to prespore cells, the prespore region contains anterior-like cells (ALC) that express ecmA and/or ecmB. The prespore region occupies about three quarters of the organism.
Region of the prespore zone of the mid culminant that borders the prestalk region.
prespore/anterior region of the mid culminant
Region of the prespore zone of the mid culminant that borders the base.
prespore/base region of the mid culminant
Region located of the mid culminant located closest to the substratum and composed of pst cells (rearguard cells).
Layer surrounding the mid culminant and composed of an electron-dense cell type.
Tubular structure of the late culminant that consists of cellulose-covered cells stacked on top of each other and surrounded by an acellular stalk tube composed of cellulose and glycoprotein.
Synonym from Kessin book p. 12-13, Kessin book p. 193.
Open, cylindrical tube of the late culminant composed of cellulose and glycoprotein and surrounded by a ring of actin in which stalk cells accumulate.
Ovoid structure of the late culminant supported by the stalk and that contains the spores.
Most apical structure of the late culminant. Composed of cells that express the prestalk markers ecmA, ecmB and staB.
Region of the late culminant located above the spore mass and composed of anterior-like cells.
Region of the sorus of the late culminant located at the base of the sorus and composed of anterior-like cells.
Conical-shaped structure of the late culminant that anchors the stalk to the substratum. Composed of anterior-like cells.
Central portion of the basal disc of the late culminant. Composed of stalk cells.
Ring of cells at the periphery of the basal disc of the late culminant. Composed of pstB cells (rearguard cells) and other anterior-like cells.
Tubular structure of the fruiting body that consists of cellulose-covered cells stacked on top of each other and surrounded by an acellular stalk tube composed of cellulose and glycoprotein. The stalk of the mature fruiting body is usually 5-15 microns in diameter and between 1.5 to 3 cm in height.
Open, cylindrical tube of the fruiting body composed of cellulose and glycoprotein and surrounded by a ring of actin in which stalk cells accumulate.
Structure of the fruiting body supported by the stalk and that contains the spores. The sorus is 125-300 microns in diameter, lemon-shaped, and grayish white to pale yellow in color.
Region of the fruiting body located above the spore mass and composed of anterior-like cells.
Region of the fruiting body located at the base of the sorus and composed of anterior-like cells.
Conical-shaped structure of the fruiting body that anchors the stalk to the substratum, around 150 to 400 microns in diameter. Composed of anterior-like cells.
Central portion of the basal disc of the fruiting body composed of stalk cells.
Ring of cells at the periphery of the basal disc of the fruiting body composed of pstB cells (rearguard cells) and other anterior-like cells.
Acellular material from the surface sheath left behind the migratory slug as it moves. Can be up to 2-3 cm in length.
Acellular material composed of polysaccharides and proteins. Covers the basal disc of the mid culminant.
Acellular material composed of polysaccharides and proteins. In the late culminant, covers only the basal disc.
Acellular material composed of polysaccharides and proteins. In the fruiting body, covers only the basal disc.
Part of the prestalk region of the tipped mound that acts as an organizer, that is, a signalling center that directs the morphological characteristics of the entire organism.
Cell that is an individual member of the species Dictyostelium discoideum.
Dictyostelium discoideum single cell organism
Unicellular diploid organism resulting from the fusion of two cells of opposite mating types.
Region mostly composed of prespore cells. In addition to prespore cells, the prespore region contains anterior-like cells (ALC) that express ecmA and/or ecmB. The prespore region occupies about three quarters of the organism.
The prestalk region is located at the most apical part of the organism. It consists of about one quarter of the cells.
Anterior-most region of the prestalk zone characterized by high expression of the ecmA gene directed by the proximal part of its promoter (ecmA promoter).
Conical-shaped structure that anchors the stalk to the substratum. Composed of anterior-like cells.
Layer surrounding the pseudoplasmodium and composed of an electron-dense cell type.
Cone-shaped area of the prestalk zone that occupies a core among the pstA region. Cells of the pstAB region express both the ecmA and ecmB genes.
Area of the prestalk zone located posterior to the pstA region and characterized by low expression of the ecmA gene directed by the distal part of its promoter (ecmO promoter).
Tubular structure that consists of cellulose-covered cells stacked on top of each other and surrounded by an acellular stalk tube composed of cellulose and glycoprotein.
Ovoid structure supported by the stalk and that contains the spores.
Electron-dense cell connected to neighboring peripheral layer cells thus forming a coherent tissue around the multicellular organism.
Acellular material composed of polysaccharides and proteins, formed during late aggregation and that holds the cell mass together throuhout development.
Open, cylindrical tube that appears during culmination. The stalk tube is composed of cellulose and glycoprotein and surrounded by a ring of actin in which stalk cells accumulate.
Central portion of the basal disc. Composed of stalk cells.
Ring of cells at the periphery of the basal disc composed of pstB cells (rearguard cells) and other anterior-like cells.
Anterior-most region of the prestalk zone of the tipped mound characterized by high expression of the ecmA gene directed by the proximal part of its promoter (ecmA promoter).
Cone-shaped area of the prestalk zone of the tipped mound that occupies a core among the pstA region. Cells of the pstAB region express both the ecmA and ecmB genes.
prestalk AB core region of the tipped mound
Area of the prestalk zone of the tipped mound located posterior to the pstA region and characterized by low expression of the ecmA gene directed by the distal part of its promoter (ecmO promoter).
Part of the prestalk region that acts as an organizer, that is, a signalling center that directs the morphological characteristics of the entire organism.
Part of the prestalk region of the early culminant that acts as an organizer, that is, a signalling center that directs the morphological characteristics of the entire organism.
Region located at the base of the sorus and composed of anterior-like cells.
Region located above the spore mass and composed of anterior-like cells.
Region located at the very posterior of the organism that contains pstB cells (rearguard cells). These cells form the basal disc in the mature fruiting body.
Apical region of the mound where cAMP signals originate that trigger positive chemotaxis from pstA and pstO cells.
Region of the early pseudoplasmodium located at the closest to the substratum composed of pstB cells.
Apical region of the early plasmodium where cAMP signals originate that trigger positive chemotaxis from pstA and pstO cells.
A tri-layer protective wall around each spore, consisting of secreted proteins, a polysaccharide, and cellulose produced on the cell surface.
Anatomical structure that has as its parts a maximally connected cell compartment surrounded by a plasma membrane.
Starved cell that secretes and responds to chemoattractants (cAMP).
Differentiating cell composing the aggregate that has acquired adhesive properties.
Cell that has properties of anterior cells (for e.g., accumulate vital dyes in autophagic vesicles) but that is are scattered throughout the rear of the slug. Some but not all these cells express the ecmA gene and/or the ecmB gene. ALCs maintain an amoeboid appearance during culmination. ALCs that express the ecmO promoter have been called pstO/ALC.
Cell that is undergoing differentiation to become a spore. Characterized by the presence of prespore vesicles (PV).
Cell that is undergoing differentiation to become a stalk cell and characterized by the ability to update vital dyes. Represents about one-quarter of the cells. During development, prestalk cells are located in the anterior portion of the organism.
Cell that is undergoing differentiation to become a stalk cell. pstO cells express ecmA at a very low level and are located at the posterior half of the prestalk zone. Expresses ecmA from the distal region of its promoter (ecmO).
Cell that is undergoing differentiation to become a stalk cell. pstA cells express the ecmA marker from a promoter region that is proximal to the ATG (ecmAO promoter). They are located at the anterior-most region of the slug. During culmination pstA cells differentiate into pstAB cells.
Cell expressing ecmB but not ecmA. Rearguard cells are located at the very rear of the slug (rearguard region). These cells form the outer basal disc of the fruiting body. If a migratory slug is formed, these cells are left behind.
Cell that is undergoing differentiation to become a stalk cell. pstAB cells express both ecmA and ecmB either simultaneously or sequentially. During culmination pstA differentiate into pstAB cells.
Anterior-like cell expressing both ecmA and ecmB.
Anterior-like cell that expresses the ecmO promoter and that can move to the position normally occupied by the pstO cells.
Cell of polyhedric shape filling the stalk tube. Stack cells are large (around 8 microns in diameter), highly vacuolated, and are surrounded by cell wall composed of cellulose. Stalk cells die upon terminal differentiation. Their role is to provide structural support for the fruiting body.
Dormant cell protected by a tri-layer spore coat. The spore has an elliptical shape and is approximately 6-9 microns by 3 microns.
Cell type formed in the presence of toxins. The membrane of the aspidocyte is highly resistant to detergents.
Cell that is undergoing differentiation to become a stalk cell. pstB cells express the ecmB marker and form the outer basal disc in the fruiting body.
Cell present in multicellular organism that has a high ability to engulf bacteria and toxin and is presumed to have a detoxification and immune-like role.
Anterior-like cell that expresses the rtaA promoter but not ecmA, ecmB or the ecmO promoter.
Cell that is undergoing differentiation to become a stalk cell. pstU cells express the rtaA marker and preferentially populate the upper cup region during culmination.
Material anatomical entity that has inherent 3D shape and is generated by coordinated expression of the Dictyostelium discoideum genome.
Dictyostelium discoideum anatomical structure
Anatomical structure that consists of cell parts and cell substances and together does not constitute a cell or a tissue.
Anatomical structure that is an individual member of the Dictyostelium discoideum species and consists of more than one cell.
Anatomical structure which is a primary subdivision of whole Dictyostelium organism. The mereological sum of these is the whole organism.