A coupled-oscillator model with a conservation law for the rhythmic amoeboid movements of plasmodial slime molds

Experiments on the fusion and partial separation of plasmodia of the true slime mold Physarum polycephalum are described, concentrating on the spatio-temporal phase patterns of rhythmic amoeboid movement. On the basis of these experimental results we introduce a new model of coupled oscillators with one conserved quantity. Simulations using the model equations reproduce the experimental results well. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.