Re: what causes cytoplasmic streaming in plant cells?

I do not know what affect light has on cytoplasmic streaming.  My 
understanding is that light is not necessary for cytoplasmic streaming to 
occur although I have observed an increase in the rate of cyclosis in 
light.  Increasing the rate of cytoplasmic streaming would certainly allow 
for the more uniform exposure,of chloroplasts, to light.

From the website listed below, you will find the following:

"Although the mechanism of cytoplasmic streaming is not completely 
understood, it is thought to be driven by actin filaments, long protein 
fibres aligned in rows parallel to the streaming just inside the cell 
membrane. Myosin molecules attached to cellular organelles may move along 
the actin fibres, towing the organelles and sweeping other cytoplasmic 
contents in the same direction."     
 http://www.br
itannica.com/seo/c/cytoplasmic-streaming/

Cyndy Galloway
Texas A&M - Kingsville