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Laboratory Experiment No. 1

Cyclosis: Merry Go Round in the Cytoplasm

Introduction:

We know that the cell’s organelles are not stationary in a cell. They are located in the cytoplasm
but they are not static because the cytoplasmic fluidin a given cell is continuously moving around in
currents thus carrying nutrients, proteins, and organelles through the cell. This process is called cyclosis
or cytoplasmic streaming. In this laboratory experiment, we will observe this kind of active process of a
cell in an Elodea plant. Elodea plant is an aquatic plant often used in aquarium. It has thin leaves that
easily fit under a coverslip, making it possible to observe their cells under magnification with little
preparation. In Elodea, cyclosis is easy to observe because chloroplasts move with the cytoplasm as it
flows.

Objectives:
In this activity, the learners are expected to:

 To be able to clearly understand the process of cyclosis or cytoplasmic streaming.

 Observe good laboratory practices.
 Apply the proper techniques and methods in studying cells.
Materials:
 Fresh and Alive Elodea of any species
 Tap water
 Desk Lamp equipped with halogen bulb
 Forceps
 Dropper
 Dissecting Needles
 Phase-Contrast Microscope
 Microscope slides
 Coverslips

Procedures:

 Safety Procedures
Ensure that students understand and adhere to safe laboratory practices when performing
any activity in the classroom or lab. Demonstrate the protocol for correctly using the instruments
and materials necessary to complete the activities, and emphasize the importance of proper usage.
Use personal protective equipment such as safety glasses or goggles, gloves, and aprons when
appropriate. Model proper laboratory safety practices for your students and require them to
adhere to all laboratory safety rules.

 Preparation of the Specimen

In this experiment the use of Biosafety cabinet is not necessarily required since we will not
use any kindof potentially hazardous reagent since we do not need to fixate our sample. But for
better convenient and experience students are allowed to use the biosafety cabinet.
Then, follow the following procedures:

1. Prepare the microscope slides and coverslips.

2. Use forceps to remove a leaf from growing tip of an Elodea plant. Place the leaf on a
microscope slide andusing dropper add 2 drops of tap water. If you remove multiple leaves,
use a dissecting needle to separate them.
3. Then, add a coverslip.
4. Get the desk lamp equipped with halogen bulb. Position the lamp so that is shines down on
the lab bench.
5. Put the slides under the lamp for three minutes.
(Note: Cyclosis is affected by various factors but for Elodea the action of cyclosis is
catalyzed by the presence of light)

 Examination of the Specimen

We need to use the phase contrast microscope to clearly view the internal details and
organelles of alive, unstained specimens. A phase ring in condenser allows a cylinder of light to
pass through it while still in phase.
 1. Prepare the phase contrast microscope.
2. Put the microscope slide on the microscope stage.
3. Using the scanning lens (4×) of your phase contrast microscope, examine the slide and locate
the Elodea leaf. Switch to the low-power lens (10×). Slowly focus up and down on the leaf.
4. Focus on the topmost layer of cells. Select an area that clearly shows numerous cells. Now,
switch to the high-power Lens (400×). Refocus as necessary to obtain a clear view of the
cells.
Guide Question/s:
A cell's cytoplasm may travel around, carrying organelles with it. The process of cytoplasmic
streaming is known as cyclosis.
1. Are there any signs of cyclosis in the Elodea cells? If that's the case, describe what you're seeing.
You may draw the process and name the parts that you were able to recognize.

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 After the Experiment

 1. Clean the area with sanitizers.
2. Do NOT dispose the slide since the specimen that we used is not biohazard but make sure to
sanitize and clean it before using again.
Instructor’s Guide

Upon viewing the specimen on a 400x magnification you will clearly notice that the cells are
fairly regular in shape, most being longer than they are wide. You will also see the cell wall which
separates each cell. Observe that there are numerous oval bodies within each cell. These are chloroplasts,
the organelles responsible for photosynthesis. And since our specimen is alive you will see that most of
the chloroplast are moving near the edge of each cell which is the cell wall this is because at the center is
the very large vacuole.Although the nucleus is larger than a chloroplast, it is difficult to find in an
unstained cell because it is only slightly darker. Chloroplast is the one that is clearly visible and are
moving around which indicates that the cytoplasmic fluid is moving and that is what we called the
cyclosis or cytoplasmic streaming.Then the rest of the cytoplasm and often is hidden by the chloroplasts.

Prepared by:
Arellano, Allyna Joie H.
Benitez, Mhel Rose B.
Delos Reyes, Mark A.