Quantifying Dictyostelium discoideum Aggregation
Abstract
Upon nutrient deprivation, the social amoebae Dictyostelium discoideum enter a developmental program causing them to aggregate into multicellular organisms. During this process cells sense and secrete chemical signals, often moving in a head-to-tail fashion called a `stream' as they assemble into larger entities. We measure Dictyostelium speed, shape, and directionality, both inside and outside of streams, and develop methods to distinguish group dynamics from behavior of individual cells. We observe an overall increase in speed during aggregation and a decrease in speed fluctuations once a cell joins a stream. Initial results indicate that when cells are in close proximity the trailing cells migrate specifically toward the backs of leading cells.
- Publication:
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APS March Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- March 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008APS..MARQ16006M