Cytoplasm

What is cytoplasm?

• A jelly-like substance inside the cell

• Fills space between cell membrane and nucleus.

What are the main components of the cytoplasm?

Cytosol – fluid portion
Organelles – mitochondria, ER, ribosomes, etc.
Cytoplasmic inclusions – stored nutrients, pigments.

Is the cytoplasm found in all cells?

Yes:
Present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

What is the primary function of cytoplasm?

Supports and suspends organelles
Site of many metabolic reactions.

Is cytoplasm the same as cytosol?

No:
Cytoplasm = cytosol + organelles + inclusions
Cytosol = fluid portion only.

What types of reactions happen in the cytoplasm?

Glycolysis (first step of cellular respiration)
Protein synthesis at ribosomes
Other metabolic processes.

Which organelles float in the cytoplasm?

Mitochondria
Ribosomes
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
Golgi apparatus
Lysosomes
Other organelles and vesicles.

How does the cytoplasm help the cell maintain shape?

Contains the cytoskeleton
Provides structure
Anchors organelles
Enables movement.

What is cytoplasmic streaming?

Movement of cytoplasm within the cell
Helps distribute materials and organelles efficiently.

Why is the cytoplasm important for cellular transport?

Allows diffusion and active transport of:
Ions
Nutrients
Enzymes
Moves substances between organelles.

How does the cytoplasm contribute to homeostasis?

Maintains:
pH balance
Ion concentrations
Proper environment for biochemical reactions.

What role does the cytoplasm play in cell division?

During cytokinesis, the cytoplasm splits
Distributes organelles between two daughter cells.

How does the cytoplasm differ in prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotes:
No membrane-bound organelles
Cytoplasm contains all cell contents
Eukaryotes:
Cytoplasm surrounds organelles
Compartmentalizes functions.

What happens if the cytoplasm is damaged or dehydrated?

Cell may lose function or die
Disrupts:
Enzyme activity
Molecular transport
Internal balance.