Cytoplasm

From ArticleWorld

The cytoplasm is a gelatinous material that fills cells. It is composed of cytosol (a mixture of waster, salts, organic molecules and enzymes) and of the cells organelles with the exception of the nucleus which is separated from the rest of the cells contents by a nuclear membrane. The cytoplasm suspends the organelles in the cell and holds them together.

Components

80% of the cytoplasm is made up of aqueous materials such as ions and soluble macromolecules. The macromolecules may be enzymes, salts, proteins and RNA. The jelly-like condition of the cytoplasm is dependent on the activity of the cell. It may be more liquid or more like a viscous mass. Typically the interior of the cell is liquid and the margins closer to the cell membrane are thicker. The rest of the cytoplasm has the insoluble components which include the organelles like mitochondria, lysosomes and ribosomes. Variations in the cytoplasm between plant and animal cells exist. In animal cells the cytoplasm is of a large volume but in plant cells due to the presence of large vacuoles this volume is reduced.

Function

Its role in the cell is mainly a mechanical one. It is necessary as it gives the cell structure and shape. It also keeps the organelles suspended in its contents and facilitates their movement. The cytoplasm provides a storage medium for the chemicals of life. It contains the chemicals needed for metabolic reactions and protein synthesis. It contains vital enzymes that are needed to speed up metabolic reactions that would be too slow to sustain life otherwise.