Genetic structure of two protist species (Myxogastria, Amoebozoa) suggests asexual reproduction in sexual Amoebae.

ABSTRACT: Plasmodial slime molds (Myxogastria or Myxomycetes) are common and widespread unicellular organisms that are commonly assumed to have a sexual life cycle culminating with the formation of often macroscopic fruiting bodies that efficiently disseminate spores. However, laboratory studies based on mating compatibility revealed the coexistence of asexual as well as sexual strains. To test this hypothesis in natural populations, we investigated the genetic variability of two species of the genus Lamproderma. Detailed ecological relevés were carried out in 2007 and 2009 in several deep ravines in the Elbsandsteingebirge (Saxony, south-eastern Germany). Morphological characters of 93 specimens of Lamproderma were recorded and genetic analyses, based on the small subunit ribosomal gene, the intern

SUBMITTER: Fiore-Donno AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3148230 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature