Cytoplasm Function in a Cell

It is a common fact that cells are the building blocks of life. They are the basic structural and functional units of any living thing. Each cell has its own functions, which are carried out with the help of the intricate structures inside it. These structures form an interconnected network and collectively achieve the purpose assigned to that cell. An individual cell can absorb nutrients, convert the nutrients into energy, reproduce and carry out the specific task assigned to it. It is the joint effort of all the structures that make a cell work efficiently. As the functions of cells differ, the individual cell processes should not interfere with each other. This is achieved by enclosing the components of each cell in a membrane called cell membrane. This cell membrane is like a barrier between each cell, but it allows selective entry of chemicals, which are necessary for its functioning and survival. The inner structures of the cells are suspended in a gelatinous fluid called cytoplasm. Go through this article for a brief overview about cytoplasm function in a cell.

What is Cytoplasm?

As mentioned earlier, each cell has various components that help the cell to carry out its functions. The components of a cell vary with the types of cell and its specific function. There are basically two types of cells - eukaryotic and prokaryotic. The main difference between the two is that the latter category of cells are comparatively smaller than the former and lack nucleus and some other organelles. The basic structure of an eukaryotic cell includes a cell nucleus, which has DNA, ribosomes, vesicle, endoplasmic reticulum (both rough and smooth), Golgi apparatus, cytoskeleton, mitochondria, vacuole, centrioles, lysosome, cytoplasm and plasma membrane. A cell wall may or may not be present. In case of plant cells (which are also eukaryotic), there will be distinct cell walls made up of cellulose that gives a regular shape to the cells. Plant cells have chloroplasts and comparatively large vacuoles.

Now, coming to cytoplasm, it is the jelly like fluid that fills the gap between the nucleus and the plasma membrane. All the structures inside a cell are suspended in this solution, which is termed as cytoplasm. Cytoplasm consists of a transparent substance called hyaloplasm or cytosol. Almost 90% of cytosol is water and it makes up to 70% of the cell volume. Cytoplasm also harbors protein filaments, which form the cytoskeleton, soluble proteins and vault complexes. The inner, granular part of the cytoplasm is called endoplasm. Various enzymes, fatty acids, sugars, amino acids and salts are found in the cytoplasm, in dissolved form.

Cytoplasm Function in a Cell

The cytoplasm function in a plant cell is almost similar to the cytoplasm function in an animal cell. In general, the function of cytoplasm is mostly mechanical in nature. It provides support to the internal structures by being a medium for their suspension. The function of cytoplasm includes its role in maintaining the shape and consistency of the cell. The most important cytoplasm function in a cell is that it stores many chemicals that are inevitable for life. It is in this cytoplasm, that vital metabolic reactions, like, anaerobic glycolysis and protein synthesis, take place. The dissolved enzymes in the cytosol break down large molecules, thereby helping the suspended organelles to use them. For example, the mitochondria in a cell cannot use the glucose molecules present in the cytoplasm. The enzymes in the cytoplasm break down these glucose molecules into pyruvate molecules, which are then used by the mitochondria. Exchange of chemicals between the organelles is also one among the functions of cytoplasm. Exchange of materials with the extra cellular fluid too is common in both plant cell and animal cell cytoplasm functions.

Now, you know the importance of cytoplasm function in a cell. It is the binding factor for all the organelles inside a cell and also synchronizes the functions of a cell. The above said is only a brief overview about the functions of cytoplasm inside the cell. You may conduct a detailed study to know more about the subject.