SYNCHRONY OF ENZYME ACCUMULATION IN A POPULATION OF DIFFERENTIATING SLIME MOLD CELLS

1. 1. Studies of the cellular slime molds have previously revealed the accumulation of a number of enzymes at different stages during the development of multicellular fruiting structures. 2. 2. A study of the spatial distribution of one of the enenzymes (UDPGlc pyrophosphorylase) during the period of its accumulation revealed a uniform rise in specific activity throughout the developing fruiting body. This suggests that all cells accumulate the enzyme simultaneously rather than as a wave of accumulation starting at a particular region. 3. 3. The distribution of the enzyme UDPGal: polysaccharide transferase served as a control for the techniques employed. The mucopolysaccharide product is known to be restricted to spores, and the enzyme was found to be accumulated only in regions containing incipient spore cells. © 1969.