Dictyostelium discoideum

Dictyostelium discoideum is a type of slime mold often studied by scientists to understand cell behavior and communication. It exists as single, independent cells that can come together to form a multicellular structure when food is scarce. This process allows them to move, communicate, and coordinate actions such as hunting for food or reproducing. Through their life cycle, they switch between single cells and a collective “slug” or fruiting body, providing insights into how cells work together and differentiate, which can inform studies on development, immunity, and cell signaling.