Are slime molds heterotrophic or autotrophic?
Like plants, slime molds have cellulose in the cell walls of their spores. Unlike plants, slime molds are heterotrophs! Though they were formally classified as fungi, slime molds do not have chitin in their cell walls and have a diplontic life cycle (Figure 5.2.
What are the main characteristics of slime molds and water molds?
These organisms exhibit properties of both fungi and protists. The slime molds and the water molds are members of this group. They all obtain energy by decomposing organic materials, and as a result, are important for recycling nutrients. They can be brightly colored and live in cool, moist, dark habitats.
Is slime mold and algae?
Plant-like protists are called algae. They include single-celled diatoms and multicellular seaweed. Examples of fungus-like protists include slime molds and water molds.
What is the difference between Plasmodial and cellular slime molds?
Plasmodial slime molds form a single-celled, multinucleate mass, whereas cellular slime molds form an aggregated mass of separate amoebas that are able to migrate as a unified whole. Slimes molds feed primarily on bacteria and fungi and contribute to the decomposition of dead plants.
How do slime molds obtain nutrients?
Slime molds go through a process called “phagocytosis” in order to gain the necessary nutrients. This simply means that the slime mold engulfs its food items and internally digests it. They can utilize many different substances as food. Some of these substances include: decaying leaves, logs and dung.
Are slime molds Saprophytic protists?
slime molds contain a multinucleated mass of protoplasm which is surrounded by a plasma membrane. They are saprophytic protists. The body of slime molds moves along the decaying leaves and twigs engulfing organic matter. Plasmodium is an aggregation formed by them which grows and spreads over several feet.
How do slime molds consume nutrients?
Slime molds go through a process called “phagocytosis” in order to gain the necessary nutrients. This simply means that the slime mold engulfs its food items and internally digests it.
Is slime mold harmful to humans?
Slime molds are not known to be a danger to human or animals. Chemical treatment is not warranted for this problem. These organisms are very sensitive to the environment.
Can you eat slime mold?
Not only is slime mold harmless, it’s also edible! In parts of Mexico it is gathered and scrambled like eggs in a dish they call “caca de luna” but we don’t recommend that you eat it. Slime molds are not actually molds, fungi, plant, animal or bacteria—they consume fungi and bacteria on decaying plant material.
Can slime mold make you sick?
This species is not known to cause sickness in humans, although the many dusty spores can irritate people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Although it can be unsightly in a flower garden, it is fairly impossible to get rid of this slime mold.