Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
Cytosol and Cytoplasm both have different functions in cells. Cyto means cell so the difference is between the within a cell and outside of it. They are two different liquids that carry out different functions in cells. Cytosol provides nutrients for living cells and transports other molecules inside cells such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Cytoplasm is something alive which contains ribonucleic acid that makes up genes, enzymes, protein synthesis, cellular transport routes etc.. This article will provide details on what each of them are and how they interact with one another to make life possible inside the cell.
What is Cytosol?
Cytosol is a liquid that surrounds the cytoplasm of cells. Cytosol consists mostly of water, salts and organic compounds. The organic compounds consist of proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates. The water content in cytosol is almost identical to the amount of water present in extracellular fluid. The difference between cytosol and cytoplasm is that cytosol is not a living substance but cytoplasm contains the protein, RNA’s, enzymes and other substances which are essential for building up life inside the cell.
Features of Cytosol
The features of cytoplasm as provided below will also be extended with explanation.
1. Cytosol is the largest component of the cytoplasm and occupies 80% of the total space in cells.
2. It is a clear, colourless and viscous liquid.
3. It is semi-solid at room temperature and around 37 degrees Celsius so it can flow easily inside the cell without much resistance from other complexes within the cell.
4. It contains a lot of salts and organic compounds which are essential for cells to function properly, enzymes to build proteins etc. Organic compounds consist of fats, carbohydrates and proteins which help in building a life inside the cell.
5. It has a composition of 75% water and 25% salts, nutrients and organic compounds.
6. Cytosol is a medium for chemical reactions to occur in the cell.
7. It provides energy to cells in an energy-dependent manner.
8. It transports molecules inside the cell such as proteins, carbohydrates and lipids etc.
What is Cytoplasm?
Cytoplasm is the living substance present in cells which contains the RNA’s, enzymes, and other substances which are essential for building up life inside the cell.
Features of Cytoplasm
The features of cytoplasm as provided below will also be extended with explanation.
1. Cyto means cell so the difference is between within a cell and outside of it. So functionally cyto means a cell dependent on another cell for survival.
2. It is a liquid that flows freely inside the cell without much resistance from complex proteins, lipids or other molecules within the cell.
3. It contains antibiotics and amino acids to fight infections from outside of the cells.
4. It is a medium for chemical reactions to occur in the cell and is also needed for protein synthesis, protein folding etc.
5. It provides energy to cells in an energy dependent manner.
6. It transports molecules inside the cell such as proteins, carbohydrates and lipids etc.
Cytosol and Cytoplasm: Difference
Conclusion
In conclusion the difference between cytosol and cytoplasm is that cytosol is a clear, colorless and viscous liquid present inside the cell while Cytoplasm is the living substance which transports molecules and serves as medium for chemical reactions to occur in the cell.
