Protoplasm

The protoplasm is the living part of the cell. All the living substances present in the cell can be described as protoplasm. All the cellular processes take place in protoplasm.

Who discovered protoplasm?

Dujardin discovered protoplasm in 1835. In 1839, J.E. Purkinje coined the word protoplasm.

What is Protoplasm?

Protoplasm is a living substance. It plays a very important role in many processes of the cell. It contains cell cytoplasm and cell organelles. In plants, protoplasm is surrounded by cell membrane and cell wall. In animals, it is surrounded by cell membranes only. It is a mixture of many inorganic and organic compounds.

Features of Protoplasm

Features of Protoplasm are discussed below:

• Protoplasm is a mixture of organic and inorganic molecules like water, lipids, iron etc.
• Water is the major component of Protoplasm.
• Water makes up a significant percentage of the mass of Protoplasm.
• Metabolic processes of cells take place in protoplasm.
• Protoplasm can change its internal conditions.
• Protoplasm helps in cell division.
• Protoplasm helps in cellular repair.
• Protoplasm maintains the cell’s internal homeostasis.

Structure of Protoplasm

Protoplasm is made up of various components. These components perform many cellular functions. Structure of Protoplasm is dynamic. It can be defined as:

• Cell membrane/ plasma membrane

The outermost layer of the cell is the cell membrane. It is composed of lipid bilayer. Due to its selective permeability, the cell membrane regulates the transfer of substances throughout the cell.

• Cytoplasm

Cytoplasm is a semi fluid liquid. It fills the interior of the cell. Cytoplasm consists of cytosol. It also consists of cell organelles like endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, golgi apparatus, cell inclusions etc.

• Nucleus

Nucleus is a membraned structure. It consists of genetic material, DNA and RNA of cells. Along with DNA and RNA, it also consists of various proteins. All the cellular activities are controlled in the nucleus.

• Protoplast

Protoplast is the combination of protoplasm and ergastic bodies excluding plasma membranes. Generation of cybrids, gene transfer, plant virus infection are some functions of protoplast.

Components of Protoplasm

Protoplasm is made of a complex mixture of compounds. This mixture provides all necessities for the survival of a cell. These components are divided into two catering:

1. Organic components
2. Inorganic components

Organic Components

Organic Components are hydrocarbon-based components. These compounds plays an important role in cellular processes

1. Proteins– Proteins are made of chains of amino acids. They are used in structural components, transporters, hormones and enzymes.
2. Nucleic acids- Nucleic acids consist of DNA and RNA.
3. Lipids– Lipids consist of steroids, phospholipids and fats. Its function is formation of structural components of cells, energy storage and cell insulation.
4. Carbohydrates– Carbohydrates are long-chained and short chained sugars. Their function is to synthesize energy.

Inorganic Compounds

Inorganic Compounds are non-hydrocarbon-based components. These includes:

1. Water- The majority of a cell’s mass is made up of water. Medium for many cellular processes is provided by water. It also acts as a solvent for many biochemical reactions.
2. Ions- Inorganic ions help in many processes. These include cellular homeostasis, transmitting nerve signals and regulating muscle contractions.
3. Minerals– Minerals like Fe, Mg and P help in cell development.

Functions of Protoplasm

1. Elimination of waste from the cell is done with the help of Protoplasm.
2. Protoplasm consists of those components that help in cellular defense.
3. Cell to cell interactions are performed with the help of Protoplasm.
4. Protoplasm helps to maintain cellular structure.
5. Protoplasm helps in the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acid, lipids and carbohydrates.
6. Many metabolic processes like energy synthesis breakdown of waste products are done with the help of Protoplasm.
7. Movement/ transport of substances to and from cells is done with the help of Protoplasm.
8. Protoplasm helps to maintain the cellular integrity of the cell.
9. It helps in cellular growth.
10. It helps in cellular reproduction.

Protoplasm in the Cell

Protoplasm consists of both Cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. They form the essential components of a cell. Cytoplasm consists of various organelles, involved in cellular processes.

The Function of nucleoplasm is to control cell activities and is the house of genetic material. Together they ensure the proper functioning of cells and ability to carry out vital biological functions.

Difference between Protoplasm and Cytoplasm

Similarities between Cytoplasm and Protoplasm

There are many similarities between Cytoplasm and Protoplasm. These are:

• Both Cytoplasm and Protoplasm are surrounded by plasma membranes.
• Water is the main component of Cytoplasm and Protoplasm.
• Cytoplasm is the part of Protoplasm.

Protoplasm is the living substance in the cell. It consists of both Cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. It is a mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. This complex mixture carries out many functions. These functions include metabolism, transport, reproduction, growth and many more.

Protoplasm consists of many products: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and Nucleic acid.

In present times, the term protoplasm is not used that much. Cytoplasm is used in place of Protoplasm.

FAQs on Protoplasm

What is Protoplasm?

Protoplasm is a living substance. It contains all the cytoplasmic content and the nucleus, excluding ergastic bodies and plasma membranes

What is the difference between Protoplasm and Cytoplasm?

Protoplasm contains the Cytoplasm and the nucleus. The cytoplasm contains cytosol and cytoplasmic organelles.

Who discovered protoplasm?

Dujardin discovered protoplasm in 1835. In 1839, J.E. Purkinje coined the word protoplasm.