A sclerotium is a cellular structure consisting of small cells produced by a mature plasmodium of a plasmodial slime mold in a dry habitat to survive unfavorable dry conditions.

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

Plasmodial Slime Molds

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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

The life cycle of plasmodial slime molds begins with a mature plasmodium, which is a multinucleated mass of protoplasm. In dry environments, the plasmodium can form a sclerotium made of small cells. Under normal conditions, it produces diploid sporangia that undergo meiosis to release haploid spores. These spores germinate into cells that can transition between amoeboid and flagellated forms. The fusion of the cytoplasm of two such cells (plasmogamy) followed by the fusion of their nuclei (karyogamy) yields a diploid zygote, which then divides to form a new multinucleated feeding plasmodium.

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