https://phys.org/news/2018-07-lectins-social-amoeba-microbiome.html > It's been known for a number of years that the multicellular slug and the fruiting body stages of some, but not all, social amoeba carry bacteria. Extensive research also has revealed that amoeba can use these bacteria as a source of food and as defense against other organisms. Some bacteria produce antimicrobial molecules that the social amoeba can use as a chemical weapon against other organisms. > In 2016, Kuspa and his colleagues discovered another intriguing feature of the slug stage of the amoeba.