JoinFavorite Demonstration: Using Elodea as a Live Model of the Eukaryotic Cell
In this demonstration, the aquatic plant called Common Waterweed, Elodea Canadensis, serves as a model for cell function. The plant clearly exhibits cell activity by visibly demonstrating cytoplasmic streaming, which occurs in animals, plants, and protista. Cytoplasmic streaming in elodea can be measured by observing the movement of chloroplasts throughout the cell. Cytological stains are not necessary for observing the streaming of the chloroplasts. Plus, the cells are very large so can be observed easily using a television or LCD transmission light microscope under 800X magnification with white light.