*Dictyostelium discoideum* is a cellular slime mold species widely studied to understand cell differentiation because it has both single-celled and multicellular stages, with cells exhibiting differentiation in the multicellular form.

Dictyostelium discoideum

Cellular slime molds are eukaryotic organisms that exist as individual amoeboid cells but periodically aggregate to form a mobile, migrating slug. This multicellular aggregate eventually stops migrating and forms a fruiting body that produces haploid spores.

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Slime molds, also known as Eumycetozoa, are a group of organisms in the supergroup Amoebozoa that have historically been classified as animals, fungi, or plants. They are divided into cellular slime molds and plasmodial slime molds.

Slime Molds

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Cellular Slime Molds

Plasmodial slime molds are large, multinucleate amoeboid cells that form  stalks that produce spores and divide into gametes.

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