Popular Courses
Find My CourseCytoplasm
The cytoplasm can be found in all cell types; however, it is defined differently. This is because prokaryotes do not have any organelles within their cytoplasm; whereas eukaryotes have many different organelles within their cytoplasm.
For prokaryotes, the cytoplasm is simply everything enclosed by the cell membrane; whereas, in eukaryotes, the cytoplasm is everything between the cell membrane and the nuclear envelope.
Cytoplasm Structure
The cytoplasm can be divided into 3 components: cytosol, organelles and inclusions
- Cytosol: It is a gelatinous fluid, where other components of the cytoplasm remain suspended. It mainly consists of cytoskeleton filaments, organic molecules, salt, and water. It is sometimes referred to as the intracellular fluid.
- Organelles: All of the tiny cellular structures that are membrane bound. Each organelle performs a specific function within the cell essential for its survival (only in eukaryotic cells)
- Inclusions: These are temporarily suspended particles in the cytoplasm that lack a membrane. The most common inclusions are stored nutrients, pigments, and crystals.
Cytoplasm Function
- Cell shape
- Due to the cytosol, which makes about 70% of the actual cell volume, the cytoplasm essentially gives the cell its shape.
- Site of several cellular processes
- Many metabolic reactions take place here such as glycolysis, protein synthesis, etc...
- Cytoplasmic Streaming
- The cytoplasm helps to move materials around the cell, such as proteins, nutrients and other substances
Practice: Cytoplasm Function
What is the main function of the cytoplasm?