🪡 CYTOPLASM

What is Cytoplasm?

Definition: A semi-thick, jelly-like substance that fills the cell. Think of it as the background or filler inside the cell.

Example: Like jelly in a jelly cup or water in an aquarium where fish (organelles) swim.

Location:

• In eukaryotes: Between the nucleus and the plasma membrane.
• In prokaryotes: Fills up everything inside the cell membrane.

Composition:

• Cytosol (the liquid part)
• Contains water, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and inorganic salts.

Mnemonic: “C-WPCL” = Cytoplasm has Water, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids.

Functions of Cytoplasm:

1. Provides space for all organelles to float and function.
2. Site of metabolic reactions, like:
   • Glycolysis (breaking glucose to get energy).
   • Other enzymatic processes.

Real-life Example: Like a factory floor where machines (organelles) are placed and workers (enzymes) perform tasks (reactions).

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Organelles in the Cytoplasm:

• Some organelles have membranes (like mitochondria, ER).
• Some don’t have membranes, like ribosomes.

Example: Furniture in a house, some placed in separate rooms (membrane-bound), some in the living room (non-membrane).