What is a possible function of cytoplasmic streaming in the slime mold?

Cytoplasmic streaming, also called protoplasmic streaming, the movement of the fluid substance (cytoplasm) within a plant or animal cell. The motion transports nutrients, proteins, and organelles within cells.

What causes cytoplasmic streaming in elodea?

Cytoplasmic streaming occurs due to the motion of organelles attached to actin filaments via myosin motor proteins. Actin is a polar molecule, which means that myosin only moves in one direction along the actin filament.

Does amoeba use cytoplasmic streaming?

Cytoplasmic streaming is the movement of cytoplasm within a living cell. In some unicellular organisms, such as amoeba, it provides the mechanism for cell locomotion. It is thought that microfilaments provide the driving force for, and control the direction of, the streaming.

How are plasmodial slime molds like physarumshown formed?

Plasmodial slime molds, like Physarumshown here, are basically enormous single cells with thousands of nuclei. They are formed when individual flagellated cells swarm together and fuse. The result is one large bag of cytoplasm with many diploid nuclei.

How big is a Plasmodium slime mould in centimeters?

Amoebae are normally one millimetre across at most, but the plasmodium slime-mould is in essence a giant amoeba. The plasmodium actually begins its life as a tiny amoeba, but grows and grows! Like an animal cell, the plasmodium consists of cytoplasm enclosed by a ‘skin’ called the plasma-membrane.

Why are slime molds useful for cytoplasmic streaming?

These “giant cells” have been extremely useful in studies of cytoplasmic streaming (the movement of cell contents) because it is possible to see this happening even under relatively low magnification. In addition, the large size of the slime mold “cell” makes them easier to manipulate than most cells.

How are the three groups of slime molds formed?

There are three main groups of slime molds, which do not form a clade. Plasmodial slime molds, like Physarum shown here, are basically enormous single cells with thousands of nuclei. They are formed when individual flagellated cells swarm together and fuse.