6 public questions tagged with this topic.
Slime moulds are saprophytic protists that move over decaying twigs and leaves and engulf organic material.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 2: Biological Classification Protista - Euglenoids Slime Moulds Protozoans
During unfavourable conditions, the plasmodium forms fruiting bodies that bear resistant, air-dispersed spores at their tips.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 2: Biological Classification Protista - Euglenoids Slime Moulds Protozoans
Slime moulds are saprophytic protists that engulf organic material from decaying vegetation. Under suitable conditions they form a plasmodium, while unfavourable conditions induce fruiting bodies bearing resistant spores.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 2: Biological Classification Protista - Euglenoids Slime Moulds Protozoans
Under suitable conditions, slime moulds form an aggregation called a plasmodium. This structure may grow and spread over an area of several feet.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 2: Biological Classification Protista - Euglenoids Slime Moulds Protozoans
When conditions become unfavorable (like lack of moisture or food), the plasmodium of slime moulds differentiates and forms distinct fruiting bodies at its tips. According to the NCERT text, the spores produced within these fruiting bodies possess 'true walls'. This is crucial because it makes them extremely resistant to harsh elements, allowing them to survive for many years until conditions improve and they are dispersed by air currents.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Biology > Chapter 2: Biological Classification > 2.2 Kingdom Protista
Slime moulds are highly unique saprophytic protists. The NCERT textbook explains that under favorable and suitable environmental conditions, they undergo vegetative growth and aggregate to form a large, multinucleate, naked mass of protoplasm called a 'plasmodium'. This plasmodium can actively grow and spread over several feet, slowly engulfing and consuming decaying organic debris like fallen leaves and twigs.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Biology > Chapter 2: Biological Classification > 2.2 Kingdom Protista
