Cytoplasmic streaming

This article is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. WikiProject Molecular and Cellular Biology or the Molecular and Cellular Biology Portal may be able to help recruit one. (February 2009)

This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations where appropriate. (August 2009)

Cytoplasmic streaming is the flowing of cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells. This occurs in both plant and animal cells. It creates cytoplasmic reorganization during cell reproduction. In some protists, such as amoeba, it provides the mechanism for cell locomotion. It aids in the delivery of nutrients, metabolites, and genetic information to all parts of larger plant cells. It vigorously "stirs" these components about the cytoplasm, allowing them to flow to all parts of the cell. As membrane-bound organelles crawl along the inner cell wall they set the cytoplasm into motion. This streaming allows other organelles and nutrients to flow in the stream created. Actin filaments play a role in streaming.

Cyclosis is the circulation or streaming of the cytoplasm within some living cells. In plant cells, chloroplasts may be moved around with the stream, possibly to a position of optimum light absorption for photosynthesis. The rate of motion is usually affected by light exposure, temperature, and pH levels.

The flow of cytoplasm may be stopped by:

• Adding Lugol's iodine solution
• Adding Cytochalasin D (dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide)

See also

• Cytoplasm
• Plant cell

References

• Britannica
• Establishment of Polarity in the One-Cell Embryo
• Cytoplasmic streaming in cylindrical giant algae.
• Actin and Myosin in Nonmuscle Cells

External links

• Measurement of Cyclosis in Elodea
• Video of Cyclosis in Canadian Pondweed
• Video of Cyclosis (Elodea).

This cell biology article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v • d • e