Cellular slime molds begin life as a group of separate organisms,or individuals.After congregation,they become a single multicellular individual.Describe what is meant by this statement.
The statement refers to the unique life cycle of cellular slime molds. Initially, cellular slime molds exist as separate individual organisms. These individuals can move independently and feed on bacteria and other microorganisms present in their environment.
However, when conditions become unfavorable, such as scarcity of food or moisture, the individual cellular slime molds aggregate together in a process called congregation or aggregation. This aggregation is facilitated by chemical signals produced by the individual slime molds.
Once they have conglomerated, the individual cellular slime molds fuse together, forming a single multicellular organism known as a slug or pseudoplasmodium. This slug-like structure moves cohesively as a single entity, performing collective behaviors such as finding a suitable location for spore production.
The slug stage of the slime mold's life cycle is temporary, as it eventually develops into a fruiting body or sporangium. Within the sporangium, spores are produced and released into the environment, allowing the life cycle to begin again with individual cellular slime molds.
In summary, the statement highlights the transition that cellular slime molds undergo from separate, independent individuals to a cohesive, multicellular organism during the congregation stage of their life cycle.