Cytoplasm Facts

The cell is the smallest unit of life. If you observe a living cell under a microscope, the first thing you'll see is the nucleus. Located at the center of the cell, the nucleus contains the genetic material or DNA and is termed as the 'brain' of the cell. If you look around, you'll find that the nucleus is surrounded by a colorless gel-like substance. This cellular substance is known as the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm performs many functions and is the site for the occurrence of the different stages of the cell cycle. Go through the subsequent part of the article for some essential cytoplasm facts.

Facts About Cytoplasm

• Cytoplasm is composed of water and other soluble ions. About 80% of the cytoplasm is water. It also contains dissolved carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
• The space between the cell membrane and the nucleus is filled by the cytoplasm which is also referred to as the cell substance.
• Cytoplasm of a cell is a jelly-like substance which performs a number of functions. It helps in conducting cellular molecules to different sites within the cell and holds the various cell organelles.
• The cytoplasm surrounding the nucleus is termed as the endoplasm, while that close to the cell membrane is termed as the ectoplasm.
• The cytoplasm present within the nucleus is termed as the nucleoplasm.
• The nuclear membrane separates the cytoplasm and the nucleoplasm.
• Depending on the level of cellular activity, cytoplasm can either be found in a watery state known as cytosol or in a gel like state known as cytogel.
• The cytoplasm allows movement of substances within the cell by a process termed as cytoplasmic streaming.
• The primary cell organelles found in the cytoplasm of a cell include the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria (only in animal cells), ribosomes, Golgi apparatus (only in animal cells), mitochondria, centrosomes, lysosomes, vacuoles (only in plant cells) and chloroplasts (only in plant cells).
• The different cell organelles that remain suspended in the cytoplasm perform a variety of functions. The ribosomes present on the endoplasmic reticulum synthesize proteins while the Golgi apparatus receives the proteins synthesized by the ribosomes and conducts them to different parts of the cell. The mitochondria is the power house of the cell and generates energy molecules of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from the food we eat. Centrosomes assist in cell division, vacuoles help maintain the turgor pressure in plant cells and chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis.
• The cytoplasm is more prominent in case of animal cells than in plant cells. In plant cells, large portions of cellular space are occupied by the vacuoles.
• In the absence of cell wall in animal cells, it is the cytoplasm which provides shape and structure to the cells.
• The cytoplasm contains essential enzymes and bio-chemicals dissolved in it.
• The cytoplasm also contains complex membranous networks termed as microfilaments and microtubules. These are made up of F-actin chains.
• The characteristics of the cytoplasm are different in plant and animal cells.
• The cytoplasm acts as a platform for the cell organelles to carry out their respective functions. Not only this, all the major events of the cell cycle, including cell division, take place in the cytoplasm.
• An organism born with a non-functioning cytoplasm or with one that does not function properly, is unable to survive.
• Cytoplasm is the cell organelle that plays a key role in the cloning of cells.
• The cytoplasm is a very good conductor of electricity.

Thus, we see that the cytoplasm is one of the major components of the cell, essential for its proper functioning. When the cell dies, the cytoplasm starts contracting and shrinks away from the cell membrane. Hope this article on cytoplasm facts helps you get a better understanding of the functioning of the cell as a whole.