Question

What is the name for the movement of cytoplasm within a cell?

• A. Diffusion
• B. Osmosis
• C. Cytoplasmic streaming (Cyclosis)
• D. Active transport

Hint:

Cytoplasmic streaming is particularly visible in large plant cells. It helps move chloroplasts, nutrients, and other organelles efficiently throughout the cytoplasm.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The movement of cytoplasm inside a living cell is known as cytoplasmic streaming or cyclosis. This process refers to the continuous flow of cytoplasm around the cell, helping to distribute nutrients, organelles, and other cellular materials. Cytoplasmic streaming is especially prominent in large plant cells, such as those found in aquatic plants like Elodea. Because these cells are large, simple diffusion would be too slow to distribute materials effectively. Cytoplasmic streaming ensures efficient transport within the cell. The movement occurs due to interactions between the cytoskeleton components, particularly actin filaments and motor proteins such as myosin. These proteins generate forces that cause the cytoplasm to circulate throughout the cell. Functions of cytoplasmic streaming include:
• Distribution of nutrients and metabolites
• Movement of organelles such as chloroplasts
• Efficient transport of cellular materials
• Maintaining uniform conditions within the cell

Step 1: Understanding cytoplasmic movement.
Inside cells, the cytoplasm is not static. It moves continuously to transport materials.

Step 2: Identifying the biological term.
This directed movement of cytoplasm within a cell is called cytoplasmic streaming or cyclosis.

Step 3: Evaluating the options.
• Diffusion – movement of molecules from high to low concentration.
• Osmosis – movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane.
• Cytoplasmic streaming (Cyclosis) – movement of cytoplasm inside the cell.
• Active transport – movement of substances across membranes using energy. Thus, the correct answer is Cytoplasmic streaming (Cyclosis).