Protoplasm

Protoplasm is a term that refers to the live elements of a cell, however it might have slightly different connotations in different areas. However, the term protoplasm is no longer often used because it was once used to imply that a cell only has two components: a nucleus and a simple, homogeneous cytoplasm. We now know that the cytoplasm is extremely complex and comprises numerous sophisticated organelles. However, in eukaryotes such as plants and animals, the protoplasm outside of the nucleus is now referred to as cytoplasm, while the protoplasm inside the nucleus is referred to as nucleoplasm. The cytoplasm is the collective name for the contents of a cell in prokaryotes.

Components and Functions of a Protoplasm

The cytoplasm is the initial component of protoplasm, and it resides between the cell membrane and the nucleus in eukaryotes, as seen below. It’s where you’ll find organelles that perform a variety of important jobs. The cytoplasm is in charge of creating an environment in which the many organelles inside it may carry out their duties. In plants, for example, the cytoplasm is home to a number of crucial photosynthetic events. 

The cytoplasm is also responsible for maintaining the cell’s structure and storing the chemicals and substances required by the organelles. The fact that it’s liquid also means that compounds can easily move within a cell and to other cells.

The nucleus is the second component of protoplasm’s structure. It holds a cell’s or organism’s genetic material. It also plays a part in regulating the cell’s activity. Furthermore, the nucleus is where ribosomes, which are necessary for the cell’s protein production, are produced. Prokaryotes lack a nucleus, instead relying on an area termed the nucleoid to store their genetic information.

Proteins, lipids, enzymes, hormones, and other chemicals are all part of the protoplasm’s constitution. These chemicals can be found dissolved in the protoplasm’s water component or suspended within it. As a result, protoplasm is intriguing and intricate, and not at all simple or straightforward.

After dividing, cells begin to expand. The cell’s growth is aided by metabolism. Catabolism and anabolism are the two types of metabolism. Catabolism is a set of degradative chemical reactions that break down large compounds into smaller parts while also releasing energy. Anabolism is a series of chemical processes that build or synthesise molecules from smaller units, usually needing the addition of energy (ATP). Inside the cell, biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids are created, stored, and destroyed.

Structure of Protoplasm and its Components

Structural, it comprises 3 parts

1) Plasma/cell membrane

2) Cytoplasm 

3) Nucleus

Features of Protoplasm

The protoplasm is the cell’s life material. Biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates make up the majority of it. It also contains inorganic salts and water molecules. The protoplasm is enclosed by the cell membrane.

Because prokaryotes lack a nucleus and other cytoplasmic organelles, protoplasm refers to the materials enclosed within the cell membrane, i.e. the prokaryotic cytoplasm.

In some prokaryotes, particularly Gram-negative bacteria, protoplasm extends to the periplasm region between the cytoplasmic membrane and the outer membrane.

Periplasm, a gel-like substance seen in Gram-negative bacteria protoplasm, is found in this location.

In eukaryotes, the protoplasm is divided into two parts: cytoplasm and nucleoplasm (cell nucleus).

The jelly-like substance of the eukaryotic cell is called cytoplasm. The cytosol, vesicles, cytoskeleton, inclusions, and organelles are all present, with the exception of the nucleus.

The cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell is the space between the cell membrane and the nuclear envelope. Nucleoplasm is the substance that makes up the nuclear envelope. The nucleus protoplasm is essential nucleoplasm.

Functions of Protoplasm

• Reproduction
• Irritability
• Chemical
• Structure and Support
• Excretion
• Transport
• Metabolism
• Conductivity and Contraction
• Growth

Conclusion

The protoplasm is the living material of the cell. It is primarily composed of biomolecules like nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. It also holds inorganic salts and molecules of water. The protoplasm is surrounded by the membrane of the cells.

All creatures are made up of cells, which are the structural, functional, and biological units. It is a protoplasm-containing membrane-bound structure. The protoplasm is the cell’s fluid life component. In certain places, protoplasm is used interchangeably with the term cytoplasm. The nucleoplasm is included in the protoplasm in other sources.