Image 1- A small portion of a cluster of Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa in fructification.
Leitz 10X PV objective
Horizontal FOV 1.3mm
Image stack, 242 images at 5 micron increments
Reflected light, Diffused dome, fiber optic illumination
Image 2 – A tip of Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa’s fruiting body pressed on a microscope slide.
Leitz 40X PV Apo objective, Heine phase contrast
Horizontal FOV 0.33mm
Image 3 – A tip of Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa’s fruiting body pressed on a microscope slide.
Leitz 40X PV Apo objective, Heine darkfield
Horizontal FOV 0.33mm
Leitz Ortholux microscope
4x projection eyepiece, 32:1 relay lens
Canon 10D
Combine ZP and Photoshop processing.
The time lapse study of this myxomycete proved it to be such an interesting subject that a more detailed look was in order. A subject still in fructification was transferred to the microscope. What is so remarkable about this further study lies in the difference seen in the images in Part 1 here and what will be seen in Part 2. This myxomycete is unlike most others of its kind in that its spores appear on the outside of its mature fruiting body. Yet there is no evidence of their presence in any of the views presented here. All you see is the protoplasm of the plasmodium
Please see the previous posts, if you like, of Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa in the Nature Photography forum, and in Technical, under the post Another Myxo in Fructification phase, for other images of this myxo.
Walt
