Definition: The cytoplasm consists of all of the contents outside of the nucleus and enclosed within the cell membrane of a cell. It is clear in color and has a gel-like appearance. The cytoplasm is composed mainly of water and also contains enzymes, salts, organelles, and various organic molecules.
Cytoplasm Function
The cytoplasm functions to support and suspend organelles and cellular molecules. Many cellular processes also occur in the cytoplasm. Some of these processes include protein synthesis, the first stage of cellular respiration known as glycolysis, mitosis, and meiosis. In addition, the cytoplasm helps to move materials, such as hormones, around the cell and also dissolves cellular waste.
Cytoplasm Components
In prokaryotic cells (such as bacteria) that do not have a membrane-bound nucleus, the cytoplasm consists of all of the contents of the cell inside the plasma membrane. In euckaryotic cells, (such as plant and animal cells) the cytoplasm consists of three main components.
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They are the cytosol, organelles, and various particles and granules called cytoplasmic inclusions.
Cytosol
The cytosol is the semi-fluid component or liquid medium of a cell's cytoplasm. It is located outside of the nucleus and within the cell membrane.
Organelles
Organelles are tiny cellular structures that perform specific functions within a cell. Examples of organelles include: mitochondria, ribosomes, nucleus, lysosomes, chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. Also located within the cytoplasm is the cytoskeleton, a network of fibers that help the cell maintain its shape and provide support for organelles.
Cytoplasmic Inclusions
Cytoplasmic inclusions are particles that are temporarily suspended in the cytoplasm. Inclusions consist of macromolecules and granules. Three types of inclusions found in the cytoplasm are secretory inclusions, nutritive inclusions, and pigment granules. Examples of secretory inclusions are proteins, enzymes, and acids. Glycogen (glucose storage molecule) and lipids are examples of nutritive inclusions. Melanin found in skin cells is an example of a pigment granule inclusion.
Cytoplasmic Divisions
The cytoplasm can be divided into two primary parts: the endoplasm (endo-,-plasm) and ectoplasm (ecto-,-plasm). The endoplasm is the central area of the cytoplasm that contains the organelles. The ectoplasm is the more gel-like peripheral portion of the cytoplasm of a cell.
Sources:
- cytoplasmic inclusions. (n.d.) Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, 3 ed.. (2007). Retrieved January 25 2016 from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/cytoplasmic+inclusions
- ectoplasm. (n.d.) Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed.. (2005). Retrieved January 25 2016 from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/ectoplasm
- endoplasm. (n.d.) Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed.. (2005). Retrieved January 25 2016 from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/endoplasm