Protoplasmic movement, the movement of the cytoplasm within a cell, is a mouthful to spell. The spelling of "protoplasmic" follows the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription /prəʊtəʊˈplæzmɪk/. The letter "o" is pronounced as /əʊ/, while the "a" is pronounced as /æ/. The stress falls on the third syllable, /plas/. The word "movement" follows the IPA transcription /ˈmuːvmənt/, with the stress on the first syllable, /muːv/. Despite the complexity of its spelling, protoplasmic movement plays a significant role in cell physiology.
Protoplasmic movement is a term used in biology to describe the various types of locomotion exhibited by living cells, specifically those consisting of protoplasm. Protoplasm refers to the living material contained within the cell membrane, comprising the cytoplasm and nucleus. The movement of protoplasmic material within a cell is vital for many physiological and developmental processes.
Protoplasmic movement can occur via two main mechanisms: amoeboid movement and cyclosis. Amoeboid movement involves the extension and retraction of pseudopods, which are temporary projections of the cell membrane that propel the cell forward. This type of movement is commonly seen in amoebas and other single-celled organisms.
Cyclosis, on the other hand, involves the circulation or streaming of cytoplasmic material within the cell. This movement is facilitated by the presence of cytoplasmic strands or tubules, which transport various organelles and nutrients throughout the cell. Cyclosis is often observed in plant cells, where it contributes to important processes such as nutrient distribution, waste removal, and cytoplasmic organization.
Overall, protoplasmic movement is essential for cellular functions such as cell division, growth, and response to stimuli. It allows cells to efficiently carry out metabolic processes, maintain homeostasis, and interact with their environment. The study of protoplasmic movement provides valuable insights into cellular behavior and is crucial for understanding biological phenomena at the cellular level.
M. Produced by the inherent power of contraction and relaxation of protoplasm; such movements are of three kinds: muscular, streaming, and ciliary.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "protoplasmic movement" is derived from the combination of two terms: "protoplasm" and "movement".
1. "Protoplasm" comes from the Greek word "prótos" meaning "first" and "plásma" meaning "something molded or formed". It was coined in 1846 by the German physiologist and pathologist Hugo von Mohl to describe the living substance found within cells. "Protoplasm" refers to the colloidal substance that constitutes the living parts of cells, containing various organelles, cytoplasm, and the cell nucleus.
2. "Movement" comes from the Old French word "movement" and Latin word "movimentum", both meaning "motion" or "change of posture". The word also has its roots in the Latin word "movere", which means "to move".