Why Does Cytoplasm Move in Elodea Cells?
All plants, including elodea, absorb light through photosynthesis in order to produce sugars as a ready supply of energy. Cytoplasmic streaming helps plants maximize light absorption by moving the organelles responsible for photosynthesis.
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Cytoplasm
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The cytoplasm is the semifluid interior between the cell membrane and the cell nucleus. Because all of the organelles are situated within the cytoplasm, most of the activity occurs here; the functions of the cell are facilitated and carbon molecules are shipped around the cell. In plants, photosynthesis occurs within the chloroplasts of the cytoplasm.
Cytoplasmic Streaming
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Cytoplasm streaming is the movement of the cytoplasm within a cell. This movement is typically facilitated by small microfilaments similar to the ones used in muscles. There are many reasons why a cell might want to utilize cytoplasm streaming. Single-celled organisms often use it for locomotion. Others use it to transport nutrients and enzymes within the cell, helping the exchange of these molecules between organelles.
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Photosynthesis
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Plants, however, often use cytoplasm streaming to maximize the photosynthetic process. In this case, the cytoplasmic streaming is limited to the parts of the cell that contain the chloroplast so that they can move into a position that increases light absorption. The cell moves in response to factors such as light exposure, temperature and pH levels.
Elodea
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The elodea is a temperate aquatic plant in North America that lives almost entirely underwater except for white flowers attached to stalks that bloom at the surface and help the entire plant float. It reproduces by detaching one of its stalks, which takes root downstream. Also known as a waterweed, it is an invasive plant in some parts of the United States or places where it has been introduced in Europe, Asia and Australia.
Cytoplasmic Streaming in the Elodea
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Elodea plants utilize cytoplasmic streaming like many other plants, but the elodea is also unique for the dramatic view of cytoplasmic streaming under a microscope. Since the leaves are about two cell layers thick, the process can easily be seen. This makes the elodea a good plant for experiments or educational purposes involving cytoplasmic streaming.
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