EXERCISE III 

 ACTIVITIES OF PROTOPLASM 1 



Living protoplasm exhibits certain properties which distinguish 

 it from non-living matter. Among these are independent movement and 

 metabolism. Independent movement is the result of the instability of 

 living substance and its reactiveness to chemical and physical forces. 

 Metabolism includes the taking in of food, its transformation into energy 

 or into more living substance, and the elimination of waste formed during 

 the process. 



Only a few of the more easily demonstrated functions of living matter 

 are studied in this exercise. Even a representative series of experiments 

 in physiology would require considerable time, and some previous 

 training in biology and related subjects. 



Notes. Much of the work outlined below is not recorded in drawings. 

 Notes should be written with special care in such cases. 



A. FUNCTIONS OF THE CELL 



Vital phenomena are first studied in the cell since all activities of the 

 protoplasm are fundamentally cell activities. 

 1. Movements of Protoplasm. 



la. Mount a young green leaf of Elodea, recently collected, under 

 a cover-glass. Under high magnification look for movements of the pro- 

 toplasm inside of some of the cells. If movements are not observed at 

 first they will usually begin after a few minutes. This form of movement 

 is known as "rotation" In what region of the cell does it occur? Note 

 the time required for a complete rotation. Compare the direction of 

 rotation in adjacent cells. Draw an outline of the cell and indicate by 

 arrows the direction of rotation. 



16. Recall the movements of the protoplasm in the endosarc of 

 Amoeba, especially as it enters a newly formed pseudopodium. If 

 material is available this should be observed again. This movement of 

 the protoplasm is known as "streaming." 2 



Ic. Amoeboid Movements. Recall the movements of Amoeba by means 



1 To the teacher: It is not essential that all of the experiments and observations 

 outlined in this exercise be employed. The ones to be selected may depend in part 

 upon the amount of time to be devoted to the subject, and upon the facilities of the 

 laboratory. 



2 At the option of the instructor movements like those mentioned in la and 16 may 

 be observed in Paramecium, in hairs from the stem of the tomato plant, in stamen 

 hairs of Tradescantia, or in some other plant. 



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