The cell cycle and sorting behaviour in Dictyostelium discoideum.

Synchronized cells of the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum were prepared by mitotic wash-off. Cell counts and DNA synthesis measurements indicated a high degree of synchrony. Cells from each phase of the cell cycle were fluorescently labelled and mixed with unlabelled asynchronous cells. Cells that were in S-phase and very early G2 at the onset of starvation demonstrated a strong tendency to sort to the tip of the subsequent slugs. With reference to these results and published evidence, we discuss the possible role of cell-cycle-related adhesion differences in cell sorting.