The cytoplasm is a jelly-like material that is found in the cells. It is the place where most of the cellular chemical reactions occur. We know animal cells have cytoplasm. So, do plants also have cytoplasm in their cells?
Do plant cells have cytoplasm?
Yes, plant cells do have cytoplasm in them. It is a thick jelly-like substance that is present inside the cell. It is also the place where most of the chemical reactions of the cell occur. It also houses the main organelles of the cell.
So, let us explore more about cytoplasm in plant cells.
Cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is the thick, jelly-like liquid present in all cells. It is enclosed by the plasma membrane and the cell wall in plants.
Most of the organelles such as the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, chloroplasts, mitochondria, and the central vacuole are located within the cytoplasm.
Several substances like salts, minerals, nutrients, and enzymes are found dissolved in the cytoplasm. About 80% of the cytoplasm is usually made up of water. Due to this, the cytoplasm is colorless. It also comprises cytosol, which is an element of the cytoplasm.
The cytoskeleton is another element of cytoplasm which uses filaments and fibers to provide structural support to the cell.
Functions of cytoplasm
The primary function of the cytoplasm is to provide a medium for the chemical reactions of the plant to happen. Processes such as cell division and glycolysis happen in the cytoplasm.
The cytoplasm also facilitates the movement of calcium ions through it. It holds the components of the cell together and prevents them from damage. The cytoplasm also provides structural support to the cell. Without cytoplasm, the cell would deflate. It contains enzymes that help in the breakdown of the waste products generated by the cell.
Cytosol
The cytosol is the part of the cytoplasm not present within the membrane-bound organelles. It is made up of a complex mixture of cytoskeleton filaments, water, and dissolved molecules.
However, rather than a liquid, it is generally described as a hydrophilic jelly-like matrix that allows free movement of ions, hydrogen molecules, and proteins along with larger structures such as protein complexes and vesicles; across the cell.
The cytosol is enclosed by the cell membrane and the other membranes of the organelles. The cytosol makes up about 70% of the volume of the cytoplasm. Thus, it forms an important part of the cytoplasm.
Protoplasm
The protoplasm is a colorless, jelly-like substance present in the cell. The primary component of the protoplasm is the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm regulates the cellular environment and helps the cell stay in shape.
The secondary component is the nucleus which stores the genetic material of the cell. These two together form the protoplasm. It also contains dissolved proteins, fats, enzymes, and hormones which are necessary for the plant.
Thus, we can see that the cytoplasm forms an important part of the plant cell. It helps in providing a medium for the chemical reactions of the plant cell to occur.
