cytoplasmic streaming
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streaming
[strēm´ing]the movement of a current in a fluid.
cytoplasmic streaming (protoplasmic streaming) cyclosis.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
cytoplasmic streaming
orcyclosis
the movement of cytoplasm from one region of a cell to another, often in definite currents, thought to be controlled by MICROFILAMENTS composed of protein similar to ACTIN. Such streaming has several possible functions:- transport of substances from one part of the cell to another (e.g. during TRANSLOCATION in SIEVE TUBES);
- cellular movement (e.g. in PSEUDOPODIA of white blood cells);
- maintenance of optimal temperature;
- provision of optimal light conditions for chloroplasts (e.g. in MESOPHYLL cells of leaf).
Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005