Cytoplasm - Structure and Function
Last Updated : 22 Sep, 2023
Cytoplasm is a semi-fluid, gel-like substance found in all living cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. It surrounds the cell's organelles and nucleus. It acts as the medium in which various cellular processes like protein synthesis, metabolism, and many chemical reactions take place. The cytoplasm contains water, ions, nutrients, and various molecules necessary for cellular activities.
What is Cytoplasm?
Cytoplasm is the semi-fluid in consistency and is found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. It fills the space between the cell membrane and the nucleus and consists of ions, water, enzymes, and molecules essential for various of cellular activities. It serve as suspension medium for various cell organelles such as mitochondria, ribosomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum, that allow them to function effectively.
In the cytoplasm various metabolic reactions like glycolysis and protein synthesis take place. It allow the movement of molecules in and out of the cell through processes like diffusion and active transport.
Cytoplasm Definition
Cytoplasm is a semi-fluid substance found within cells. It includes all organelles except nucleus and plays a central role in various cellular processes, like metabolism and intracellular transport.
Structure of the Cytoplasm
The structure of the cytoplasm is as follows:
- Cytosol is the the main component of the cytoplasm which is semi-fluid or gel-like in consistency. It forms the bulk of the cytoplasm.
- Cytoplasm serves as a medium for various chemical reactions and suspends various organelles within it.
- Cytoplasm contains various organelles including, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, golgi apparatus and vacuoles, etc.
- The organelles present in the cytoplasm perform their specific functions.
- The cytoskeleton consists of network of protein filaments that provide structural support to the cell and plays a role in cell motility, shape maintenance, and intracellular transport.
- Enzymes are present in the cytoplasm that take part in various metabolic reactions and processes such as glycolysis, protein synthesis, and lipid metabolism.
Diagram of the Cytoplasm
The diagram of the cytoplasm is as follows:
Functions of the Cytoplasm
The functions of the cytoplasm are as follows:
- Cytoplasm is a jelly like substance in which all the components of the cells are embedded. It is present within the cell membrane and is made up of salt and water.
- It serves as the site for numerous metabolic reactions like glycolysis, which produces energy in the form of ATP.
- The cytoplasm supports the cytoskeleton, which gives the cell its shape and motility to the cell.
- It act as a medium for intracellular movement of molecules and organelles. The movement take place through processes like diffusion and active transport.
- Cytoplasm stores various cellular materials, like nutrients, ions, and waste products.
- Protein synthesis occur in the cytoplasm, through translation, where ribosomes assemble amino acids into proteins.
- Signaling molecules and organelles present in it enables cellular communication.
Organelles in the Cytoplasm
The various cell organelles present in the cytoplasm are as follows:
Nucleus
It is the biggest organelle and serves as the command center for cellular operations as well as the DNA repository for the cell. The nucleolus, or small spherical entities, are found inside the nucleus. It also contains chromosomes and genes that are carried by chromosomes. The nucleus manages the traits and operations of our body's cells. Using the genetic information contained in DNA, the nucleus' main job is to keep track of cellular functions like metabolism and growth. Protein and RNA synthesis takes place in the nucleus of the nucleoli.
Mitochondria
As it generate energy in the form of ATP for the cell, mitochondria are referred to as the powerhouses of the cell. In many species, the mitochondrial genome is transmitted from the mother. It is a sausage-shaped organelle with two membranes linked to it that is present in practically all eukaryotic cells.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
The Endoplasmic Reticulum is a network of fluid-filled membranous tubes. They are the cell's transport system and are responsible for moving materials around the cell.
The endoplasmic reticulum comes in two varieties:
- The production of proteins is carried out by the rough endoplasmic reticulum, which is made up of cisternae, tubules, and vesicles.
- Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum: This organelle serves as a storage area and is involved in the synthesis of lipids and steroids, as well as the detoxification of the cell.
Plastids
Membrane-bound organelles called plastids hold pigment. Plastids can be classified into three groups based on the sort of pigments they contain:
- Chloroplast: Chloroplasts are dual membrane-bound organelles present in the mesophyll cells of leaves. The photosynthetic process depends on the pigments' ability to store light energy. The stroma of chloroplasts likewise has dual circular DNA, 70S ribosomes, including enzymes necessary for the production of carbs, similar to the mitochondrial matrix does.
- Chromoplasts: This comprises low-saturated carotene compounds, such as xanthophylls and carotene, which give plants their distinctive colors, such as yellow, and red.
- Leucoplasts are colorless plastids that serve as food storage. Aleuroplasts retain proteins, elaioplasts hold oils and lipids, and amyloplasts hold carbs (such as the starch in potatoes).
Ribosomes
In close proximity to the endoplasmic reticulum are ribosomes, significant non-membrane-bound cytoplasmic organelles. Numerous cells have microscopic particles called ribosomes, which are primarily made up of 2/3 RNA and 1/3 protein. They are referred to as the 70s or the 80s (found in prokaryotes) (found in eukaryotes) Either the endoplasmic reticulum encloses ribosomes or they are freely dispersed throughout the cytoplasm of the cell. In all living cells the function of the ribosomes is to synthesize proteins.
Golgi Apparatus
The Golgi Apparatus is a membrane-bound organelle made up of cisternae, which are a series of flat, piled pouches. Proteins and lipids are transported, and packaged by this organelle to reach specific locations.
Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton consists of protein filaments found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. The cytoskeleton provides structural support to the cell, helps maintain cell shape, and is essential for intracellular transport, cell motility, and cell division.
Centrosome and Centriole
The centrosome found in animal cells, consists of two centrioles. They are cylindrical structures composed of microtubules. Centrioles takes part in cell division, and organize and direct the formation of the mitotic spindle, that ensures accurate chromosome segregation.
Similar Reads
CBSE Class 9 Science Notes 2023-2024 CBSE Class 9 Science Notes for the academic year 2023-2024 serve as a crucial foundation for students' further education. To excel in exams, it is critical to fully comprehend each topic while also thoroughly revising the subject matter. As Class 9 is a crucial period for students, GeeksforGeeks pro
15+ min read
Chapter 1 - Matter in Our Surroundings
Matter is Made of Tiny ParticlesIn our surroundings, we come across different shapes, sizes, heights, structures, and textures. According to scientists everything in this universe is made up of a material called Matter. We can see that matter occupies some space and mass, in another way we can say that matter has some ‘volume’ and
8 min read
States of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas and PlasmaMatter is made up of tiny particles. These particles are such small that we cannot see them by the naked eye. What ever we see in nature is made up of matter. Different matter exist in different form. These forms are called states of matter. States of MatterState of Matter or Phases of Matter is def
9 min read
Change of State of MatterWhen cubes of ice melt into water or liquid boils into vapor, you may have seen changes in states of matter, but have you ever wondered why the substances change their form? When matter loses or gains energy, it changes its condition. When a substance gains energy, its molecules or atoms move faster
6 min read
EvaporationEvaporation occurs when a liquid turns into a gas. Have you ever noticed that when a glass is left on the counter, the water begins to evaporate? It's evaporation, not thirsty fairies dwelling in your kitchen. Evaporation is the process by which molecules undergo a spontaneous transition from the li
10 min read
Chapter 2 - Is Matter Around Us Pure
Chapter 3 - Atoms and Molecules
Laws of Chemical CombinationLaws of Chemical Combination are one of the most fundamental building blocks of the subject of chemistry. As in our surrounding different matter reacts with each other and form various kind of different substances. Laws of Chemical Combination are the collection of laws that explains how these subst
7 min read
What is Atom?Atoms are tiny particles that comprise all the things in the known universe. Atoms of an element are responsible for all chemical reactions occurring in nature. We know that atoms are made up of three fundamental particles namely, ElectronsProtonsNeutronsThese particles are also called subatomic par
8 min read
Difference Between Atom And MoleculeAtoms and Molecules are the basic building blocks of all matter around us. There are some fundamental differences between atoms and molecules but they are essential in understanding the behavior of the world around us. Initially, atoms were thought to be indestructible, i.e. we can not further break
6 min read
Chemical FormulaChemical formula is a way to describe chemical ratios of atoms that make up a specific chemical compound or molecule in chemistry. Chemical element symbols, numbers, and sometimes other symbols, such as parentheses, dashes, brackets, commas, plus (+), and minus (-) signs, are used to represent the c
6 min read
Molecular MassMolecular Mass is the mass of all the atoms present in a molecule. In ancient India and Greece, philosophers have first given the idea of atoms and deeply studied them. Around 500 BC.Everything around is made up of very small units these units are atoms in the language of science, very small in the
8 min read
Chapter 4 - Structure of the Atom
Chapter 5 - The Fundamental Unit of Life
What are Living Organisms Made Up of?Robert Hooke discovered the cells in the year 1665. He was examining a thin slice of a cork, he saw that the cork resembled the structure of a honeycomb with too many little compartments. Then with the microscope, he observed these compartments and called them cells, meaning "little room" in Latin.
7 min read
Plasma Membrane - Definition, Structure, Components, FunctionsThe plasma membrane acts as a protective barrier made of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins that separates the interior of the cell from its external environment. The plasma membrane, also known as the cell membrane, is a vital component of the living organism that regulates the movement of subs
4 min read
Cell WallCell wall is the non-living material that protects a cell's outermost layer. It might be firm, elastic, or periodically rigid. It serves as a filtration system as well as structural support and protection for the cell. Cell walls are absent in many eukaryotes, including animals, but they are present
7 min read
Nucleus: Structure and FunctionThe nucleus (plural: nuclei) is a double-membraned organelle that is found only in eukaryotic cells. The name nucleus comes from a Latin term that means "nut kernel." The nucleus was discovered by Robert Brown in 1831. It is the first cell organelle that was discovered. The nucleus is responsible fo
7 min read
Cytoplasm - Structure and FunctionCytoplasm is a semi-fluid, gel-like substance found in all living cells, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. It surrounds the cell's organelles and nucleus. It acts as the medium in which various cellular processes like protein synthesis, metabolism, and many chemical reactions take place. The cytoplas
6 min read
Endoplasmic Reticulum - Structure, Types And FunctionsEndoplasmic reticulum is an important cell organelle present in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. The structure of the Endoplasmic reticulum comprises membranous tubules that are interconnected and carry out major cellular functions like protein synthesis, breakdown of carbohydrates, lipid synthesi
7 min read
Golgi ApparatusGolgi apparatus is an organelle found in most of the eukaryotes. It consists of a series of flattened membrane sacs called cisternae. These cisternae are present one over the other to form the Golgi complex. It is responsible for packaging proteins into vesicles before secretion and therefore plays
4 min read
Lysosomes - Definition, Types, Significance, FunctionsLysosomes are cell organelles that are also known as "suicide bags" or "cell recycling centers" of the cell. Lysosomes function in cellular waste disposal and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Lysosomes are eukaryotic membrane-bound cell organelles that appear small and spherical. Lysosomes arise f
8 min read
MitochondriaMitochondria is a double membrane organelle present in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria generates energy in the form of ATP because of which mitochondria is known as the "powerhouse of the cell". In 1857 Albert von Kolliker first discovered the organelle and Carl Benda in 1898 gav
7 min read
What are Plastids? - Class 9 BiologyThe body of all living organisms is made up of cells. Based on the cellular organization, some organisms are made up of single cells which are unicellular, and more than one cell which is multicellular organisms. Single-cell is able to perform all the life processes like gaining food, respiration, e
8 min read
VacuolesVacuole is a cellular organelle that is found in plants, fungi, and some types of protists. In plant cells, it helps in maintaining turgor pressure, contributing to the plant's structural support and rigidity. Vacuoles contain various substances like ions, water, and waste products. It also contribu
5 min read
Cell Division: Mitosis & Meiosis, Different Phases of Cell CycleCell division is the process by which a parent cell divides into two daughter cells. It occurs through two distinct processes, mitosis, and meiosis, each having its role in the life cycles of organisms. Mitosis is the division of a cell that produces two identical daughter cells, essential for growt
9 min read
Chapter 6 - Tissues
Meristematic Tissues - Definition, Features, Types, RoleMeristematic tissues are a type of plant tissue that plays an important role in the growth and development of plants. These tissues consist of undifferentiated cells that can divide and differentiate into various types of specialized cells. Meristematic tissues are mainly found in that part of the p
6 min read
Structure and Types of Animal TissuesAnimal tissue is a group of cells along with intercellular substances that perform one or more functions in the body. The structure of animal tissues depends on their function and location in the body. There are four types of animal tissues; epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissue which w
6 min read
Permanent Tissues - Diagram, Types Notes Biology Class 9Permanent tissues are a type of plant tissue that has completed its growth and differentiation. They remain in a specialized state throughout the plant's life. These tissues perform specific functions and are responsible for the overall structural growth and function of the plant. There are three ma
7 min read
Epithelial Tissue - Introduction, Characteristics, Types, ImportanceEpithelial tissue is what makes up this part of the animal's anatomy, and it may be found on both the outside and the inside of the body. The body structure of multicellular organisms is more complicated than that of unicellular organisms, in which every important cellular function, such as nutritio
13 min read
Overview and Types of Connective TissueAs their name suggests, connective tissues serve to both support and link the many organs and tissues found throughout the body. They are located in vast quantities all throughout the body, Their genesis may be traced back to the mesoderm(embryo). A few cells that are located in the interfacial netw
13 min read
Muscular TissueMuscular tissue is a type of tissue present in animals that is specialized for contraction and movement. Muscular tissue is one of the four main types of tissues, the others being epithelial, connective, and nervous tissue. Muscular tissue is made up of muscle fibers. There are three types of muscul
5 min read
Nervous Tissue - Definition, Characteristics, Functions, TypesNervous tissue is one of the four types of animal tissue, along with epithelial tissue, connective tissue, and muscle tissue. Nervous tissue is composed of two main types of cells: neurons and glial cells. Nervous tissue is present in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves all around the body. Nervous t
6 min read
Chapter 7 - Motion
What is Motion?Motion is defined as the change in the position of an object with respect to time i.e. when an object changes its position according to time it is said to be in the state of motion. Everything in the universe is in a state of continuous motion, for example, the moon revolves around the planets, the
12 min read
Measuring the Rate of MotionWe use general things around us that are moving, like if we see around us, monitor air moving around us, like we have clocks with the hands moving, we all know that day and night is caused because of motion of Earth around the Sun, yet seasons are caused because of it. So we are going to study in de
10 min read
AccelerationAcceleration is defined as the rate of change in velocity. This implies that if an object’s velocity is increasing or decreasing, then the object is accelerating. Acceleration has both magnitude and direction, therefore it is a Vector quantity. According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, acceleratio
9 min read
Equation of Motion by Graphical MethodA famous British scientist Isaac Newton derived three equations of motion that describe the most fundamental concepts of motion of an object. These equations govern the motion of an object in one, two, and three dimensions. These equations are easily used to calculate the values or the expressions f
12 min read
Uniform Circular MotionUniform Circular Motion as the name suggests, is the motion of a moving object with constant speed in a circular path. As we know, motion in a plane only has two coordinates, either x, and y, y and z, or z and x. Except for Projectile motion, circular motion is also an example of motion in a 2-D pla
9 min read
Chapter 8 - Force and Laws of Motion
Balanced and Unbalanced ForcesForces are required to move, turn, shift, release, shut, drive, drag, and so on. When you throw a ball, you are exerting energy on it to propel it through the air. A push or pull is referred to as a force. Forces can cause objects to move, and they can also slow, stop, or change the direction in whi
8 min read
Newton's First Law of MotionBefore the revolutionary ideas of Galileo and Newton, people commonly believed that objects naturally slowed down over time because it was their inherent nature. This assumption stemmed from everyday observations, where things like friction, air resistance, and gravity seemed to slow moving objects.
15+ min read
Mass and InertiaMany events are seen in the field of physics, yet some of them have eluded explanation for a long time. Newton proposed three rules of motion, which became known as Newton's Laws of Motion. These laws were a novel finding in the physical universe, and they were frequently employed to explain situati
8 min read
Newton's Second Law of Motion: Definition, Formula, Derivation, and ApplicationsNewton's Second Law of Motion is a fundamental principle that explains how the velocity of an object changes when it is subjected to an external force. This law is important in understanding the relationship between an object's mass, the force applied to it, and its acceleration.Here, we will learn
15 min read
Newton's Third Law of MotionWhen you jump, you feel the gravitational force pulling you down towards the Earth. But did you know that at the same time, you are exerting an equal force on the Earth? This phenomenon is explained by Newton's Third Law of Motion. Newton's Third Law of MotionNewton's Third Law of Motion is a founda
13 min read
Chapter 9 - Gravitation
Gravitational ForceHave you ever wondered why the Earth revolves around the Sun and not the other way around? Or why does the Moon remain in orbit instead of crashing into Earth? If the Earth pulls the Moon and the Moon pulls the Earth, shouldn’t they just come together? What keeps them apart?All these questions can b
11 min read
Free FallThere are always two cases of things falling to the ground. One example is when something is thrown to the ground, such as throwing a ball. At the same time, the other case is when something is dropped to the ground. For example, dropping the ball or accidentally dropping the phone from your hands (
6 min read
Mass and WeightMass and Weight are commonly used in the same manner by the general masses but there are differences between both Mass and Weight, where Mass is the measure of Inertia unlike Weight which is a measure of force acting on a body towards the heavy body. But yet still many people use these two terms int
10 min read
What is Pressure?Have you ever thought about why a needle is so thin, why fence spikes are pointed, or why a hammer's head is flat? It’s all about pressure. Pressure is the force applied to a specific area. A needle’s sharp tip concentrates the force, allowing it to easily pierce fabric. If it were blunt, the force
7 min read
Archimedes PrincipleArchimedes Principle is a fundamental concept in fluid mechanics, credited to the ancient Greek mathematician and physicist Archimedes. According to Archimedes' Principle, when an object is immersed in a fluid the object experiences an upward force whose magnitude is equal to the weight of the fluid
12 min read