Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of slime mold: A simple organism that exists as individual, independent cells for most of its life cycle. These cells later aggregate to form a multicellular, reproductive structure. It is distinguished from true (acellular) slime molds by remaining cellular and having nuclei in all stages.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Under the microscope, the life cycle of the cellular slime mold was fascinating to observe.
  • The biology class studied the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium as a model for cell communication and differentiation.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: The term is primarily used in biology and microbiology to describe specific taxa, such as those in the group Dictyostelia.
  • Research on cellular slime molds has provided key insights into the evolution of multicellularity.

Variants and Related Words

• Slime mold (n): A broader category of fungus-like organisms that includes both cellular and acellular (plasmodial) types.
• Dictyostelid (n): The formal taxonomic name for organisms commonly called cellular slime molds.
• Acellular slime mold (n): Also called plasmodial slime mold; a related but distinct type where the feeding stage is a single, large cell with many nuclei.

Synonyms

• Dictyostelid
• Social amoeba (This term emphasizes the single-celled, amoeboid stage that later cooperates to form a multicellular structure.)

Related Phrases

• Aggregative multicellularity: A biological process exemplified by cellular slime molds, where independent cells come together to form a temporary multicellular organism.

Noun

1. differing from true slime molds in being cellular and nucleate throughout the life cycle