The sliding theory of cytoplasmic streaming: fifty years of progress

Fifty years ago, an important paper appeared in Botanical Magazine Tokyo. Kamiya and Kuroda proposed a sliding theory for the mechanism of cytoplasmic streaming. This pioneering study laid the basis for elucidation of the molecular mechanism of cytoplasmic streaming - the motive force is generated by the sliding of myosin XI associated with organelles along actin filaments, using the hydrolysis energy of ATP. The role of the actin - myosin system in various plant cell functions is becoming evident. The present article reviews progress in studies on cytoplasmic streaming over the past 50 years.