Mucilage

Mucilage (represented in-game using the symbol ) is a compound that can be released by cells with the slime jet organelle.

Scientific Background

Mucilage is a sticky gel-like substance produced by some microbes, as well as nearly all plants. It is made up of polysaccharides, which are long stringy molecules consisting of chains of simple sugars (e.g. glucose).

Mucilage plays a role in the gliding motility of certain microbes, most notably cyanobacteria, which possess pores known as "slime jets" that continuously secrete polysaccharides in the opposite direction of intended travel, thus pushing the cell where it wants to go.