Plasmodial Incompatibility Reactions in the True Slime Mold Physarum cinereum

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Abstract
Plasmodial (somatic) incompatibility reactions in the Ven 1 isolate of the myxomycete P. cinereum are controlled by 2 unliked loci displaying simple dominance. Phenotypically dissimilar plasmodia undergo temporary fusions which are quickly terminated by a cytotoxic reaction, whereas phenotypically similar ones undergo fusions which are not followed by such reactions. Each locus allows a killed zone (area of cytotoxicity) of characteristic size when acting alone, but when the 2 loci act together they may reduce the size of the zone with a genetically additive effect. These reactions are generally unidirectional for each locus, with killing taking place in the recessive phenotype.