Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic class of true slime molds: "Class Myxomycetes" is the scientific classification for a group of organisms known as true slime molds. These are not true fungi but are fungus-like protists. The class is essentially equivalent to the division Myxomycota.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The class Myxomycetes includes fascinating organisms that exhibit both animal-like and plant-like characteristics during their life cycle.
  • Researchers are studying the reproductive strategies within the class Myxomycetes.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific taxonomy: The term is used in formal biological classification to group organisms with specific shared characteristics, such as a plasmodial feeding stage.
  • The organism was definitively placed in the class Myxomycetes based on its morphological and genetic data.

Variants and Related Words

• Myxomycota (n): The division name, often used synonymously with the class Myxomycetes.
  • Myxomycota is another term for the group containing the true slime molds.
• Myxomycete (n): A member of the class Myxomycetes; a true slime mold.
  • A myxomycete was found growing on the decaying log.
• Acrasiomycetes (n): The class of cellular slime molds, which is a different group from the true slime molds (Myxomycetes).
  • Unlike the class Myxomycetes, organisms in Acrasiomycetes have a multicellular aggregate stage.

Synonyms

• True slime molds: The common name for organisms in this class.
• Myxogastria: An alternative class name used in some taxonomic systems.

Related Phrases

• Plasmodial slime molds: A descriptive phrase often used for members of the class Myxomycetes, referring to their multinucleate, amoeboid feeding stage called a plasmodium.
  • The plasmodial slime molds (class Myxomycetes) can cover large areas in search of food.

Noun

1. the class of true slime molds; essentially equivalent to the division Myxomycota