The mass of streaming protoplasm (wallless mass of multinucleate protoplasm) in plasmodial (acellular) slime moulds like Physarum is called the

Options

A. sporocytes
B. sporangia
C. plasmodium
D. pseudoplasmodium

Answer

To solve the question regarding the mass of streaming protoplasm in plasmodial slime molds like Physarum, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Question**: The question asks for the term used to describe the wall-less mass of multinucleate protoplasm found in plasmodial slime molds, specifically referencing Physarum.

2. **Identify Key Terms**: The key terms in the question are "streaming protoplasm," "wall-less mass," "multinucleate," and "plasmodial slime molds."

3. **Recall Relevant Information**: In biology, particularly in the study of slime molds, the term "plasmodium" refers to a large, multinucleate cell that is formed by the fusion of several cells. This structure is characteristic of certain slime molds, including Physarum.

4. **Evaluate the Options**:
- **Option 1: Sporocytes** - These are cells that produce spores, not the mass of protoplasm.
- **Option 2: Sporangia** - These are structures that produce and contain spores, not the protoplasmic mass itself.
- **Option 3: Plasmodium** - This is the correct term for the multinucleate mass of protoplasm in slime molds.
- **Option 4: Pseudoplasmodium** - This term refers to a temporary structure that may resemble a plasmodium but is not the same.

5. **Select the Correct Answer**: Based on the evaluation, the correct answer is **Option 3: Plasmodium**.

### Final Answer:
The mass of streaming protoplasm in plasmodial slime molds like Physarum is called the **Plasmodium**.

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