(ed) Methods in Cell Biology 28 New York: Academic Press, 1987
If the cell biologist interested in fundamental processes, such as chemosensory perception, intracellular signal transduction, cell motility and cellular differentiation was asked to design the ideal subject for study then an organism closely akin to DictyosteUum would be the probable result. These aspects of cell behaviour are deeply rooted in evolution and the fundamental mechanisms and macromolecular components involved are likely to be conserved in all eukaryotes. DictyosteUum engages in activities, such as chemotaxis and cellular differentiation, which lie beyond the capabilities of yeast and it offers the enormous advantage, over higher eukaryotes, of haploid genetics; allowing the ready isolation of mutants using both classical and molecular genetical approaches.
The biological insights gained using DictyosteUum are summarized in a series of review articles published elsewhere in book form (Loomis, 1982, The Development of DictyosteUum discoideum, Academic Press) which,...
