The cytoplasm is highly organized. It doesn’t seem to have any shape or structure. The cytostructure is the set of protein scaffolds to which the cytoplasm gives its structure.
Cytoplasm also contains chromatin, including plant and animal cells. Cytosol fills the empty spaces and all Cell organelles support it.
A prototype is a transparent object. It is considered a living being. Protoplasm is derived from the Greek word “protos” meaning the first “plasma” meaning created matter.
It is a gelatinous coating of the cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus. It consists of about 90% water, lipids, salt proteins and carbohydrates.
Protoplasm is a colorless, selectively permeable, granular, tense, and colloidal substance.
What is Cytoplasm?
The distinction between cytoplasm and protoplasm is confusing because they are often meant interchangeably. It is now recognized that a “cell” is composed of many organelles (ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, etc.) that perform various functions.
These cell compartments are enclosed in a gel-like substance called cytosol. This is generally known as cytoplasm. However, it does not involve the nucleus.
What is Protoplasm?
The protoplasm, on the other hand, consists of cytoplasm + nuclei. The cytoplasm, therefore, is part of the protoplasm. Another thing to note is that the term “protoplasm” is not used technically and is considered obsolete in modern biology.
The term was used to describe a number of things throughout the century in the 1800s. The term is now commonly accepted as a general term for cytoplasm.
Difference Between Cytoplasm and Protoplasm
| Cytoplasm | Protoplasm |
| Consists of cytosol + cell organelles | Consists of cytosol + cell organelles + nucleus |
| The term is still relevant in modern biology | The term is considered obsolete by today’s standards |
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