Cytoplasm: Structure, Components & Function - Britannica

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the cytoplasm is defined as "the semifluid substance of a cell that is external to the nuclear membrane and internal to the cellular membrane, sometimes described as the nonnuclear content of protoplasm." The cytoplasm of a cell is the gelatinous, translucent fluid that houses the three major cytoplasmic elements: the cytosol, organelles and inclusions.

Cytosol

• The cytosol is considered the "soup" in which all the other cell organelles are housed. This is where most of the cell growth and development occurs.

Organelles

• Organelles are smaller components within a cell that are membrane-bound and have specific cellular functions. Organelles could be described as small organs designed to perform specialized metabolic functions in order to maintain stability in a cell.

Cytoplasmic Inclusions

• Small, insoluble substances found in the cytosol are called cytoplasmic inclusions, which are chemical substances that store pigment, nutrients or secretory products from cell organelles.

Function and Purpose

• The cytoplasm maintains the shape and is responsible for the overall consistency of the cell, providing a home to the cell organelles. The cytoplasm also serves as storage for chemical substances necessary for life and specific cellular metabolic reactions.

Interesting Fact

• Animal cell cytoplasm occupies half of the cell's volume, while plant cell cytoplasm takes up less space because of large water- and enzyme-filled vacuoles.