Slime mould (Lycogala sp.) growing on the surface of an almond, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) . This is the plasmodium phase of the life cycle. It is a single, huge cell with multiple nuclei. The plasmodium is slimy and often colourful (red in this genus). It can move slowly, feeding on bacteria, spores and organic matter. Some species can seek out certain types of food. In poor conditions, the plasmodium produces mushroom-like fruiting bodies that release reproductive spores. Magnification: x300 at 6x7cm size.