A rapid method for isolation of the plasma membrane of the myxamoebae and swarm cells of the myxomycete Didymium iridis.

A method for the isolation of the plasma membranes of the acellular slime mould, Didymium iridis in the myxamoebae and swarm cell stages was developed using a modified dextranpolyethylene glycol aqueous two-phase polymer system. It was found to be far superior to the widely accepted technique of density gradient centrifugation concerning this cellular system. Chemical and enzymatic assays performed on the plasma membranes and other cell fractions as well as microscopic examination were used as a basis for positive identification and assessment of purity. Results of the chemical and enzymatic assays indicate that plasma membranes are recovered with high yield and purity using the modified two-phase polymer technique. The method is both rapid and effective and can be performed using low-speed centrifugation.