Signal input for a chemotactic response in the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1975 Dec;72(12):4991-3. doi: 10.1073/pnas.72.12.4991.

Abstract

Drops with different concentrations of 3':5'-cyclic AMP were deposited at various distances from small populations of Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae, and the distances over which 50% of the amoebae drops reacted positively were determined. The linear regression analysis of a bouble logarithmic plot of distance against concentration gives a straight line with a slope of 1/4.25, which value suggests that the amoebae respond to a spatial gradient of cyclic AMP concentration. The threshold value for the signal is 3.6 X 10(-9) M/mm with a sensitivity of measurement of about 1%. These findings are discussed in relation to our present knowledge of cyclic AMP receptors.

MeSH terms

  • Chemotaxis*
  • Cyclic AMP / pharmacology
  • Dictyostelium / drug effects
  • Dictyostelium / physiology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Mathematics
  • Myxomycetes / physiology*

Substances

  • Cyclic AMP