Uni-cellular integration of complex spatial information in slime moulds and ciliates

Abstract

Single-celled organisms show a fascinating faculty for integrating spatial information and adapting their behaviour accordingly. As such they are of potential interest for elucidating fundamental mechanisms of developmental biology. In this mini-review we highlight current research on two organisms, the true slime mould Physarum polycephalum and the ciliates Paramecium and Tetrahymena. For each of these, we present a case study how applying physical principles to explain behaviour can lead to the understanding of general principles possibly relevant to developmental biology.