Factors Affecting Growth and Differentiation in Simple Slime Molds

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Abstract
A digest of the information available in December 1954 pertaining to growth and differentiation in the Acrasieae is presented. Published papers are reviewed, and an attempt is made to synthesize from these and from the writer''s experience and observations a well-rounded picture of what is and is not known concerning these vital processes in the simple slime molds. Two new taxa belonging to the Acrasieae are introduced: Dictyostelium polyceghalum and ACYTOSTELIUM leptosomum. These new forms serve to en-large appreciably our concepts is of morphogenetic processes in this group, for each exhibits a development pattern hitherto unknown. The importance of understanding and, in so far as possible, standardizing the cultural and environmental conditions under which observations and interpretations are made is emphasized.