We have analysed expression of the ecmA and ecmB genes of Dictyostelium by enzymatic double staining using beta-galactosidase and beta-glucuronidase reporter gene constructs. Cells expressing the ecmA gene first appear as scattered cells at the mound stage of development and we show that this is also true for cells expressing the ecmB gene. During tip formation the ecmA-expressing cells move to the apex of the mound, while the ecmB-expressing cells accumulate in the base. The ecmB-expressing cells constitute part of the basal disc if the culminant is formed in situ but are discarded if a migratory slug is formed. During slug migration they are replaced by a band of ecmB-expressing cells, situated in the front half of the prespore zone and tightly apposed to the substratum. When culmination is triggered these cells rapidly move to the back half of the prestalk zone, possibly acting as a point of attachment to the substratum. Ultimately, they are joined by cells at the back of the slug, the rearguard cells, to form the basal disc. Thus, contrary to previous belief, basal disc formation is initiated very early during culmination and occurs by the forward movement of cells located in the anterior of the prespore zone.