When it comes to the various elements that make up cells, there is no doubt that cytoplasm is one of the most significant elements of them all. As you begin to study the cells in greater detail, you are going to begin to learn and appreciate the immense importance and value of cytoplasm.
1. Think Of Cytoplasm As A Kind Of Jelly
If you were to make your way through the cell membranes, eventually entering the cell itself, you would find yourself surrounded by what could perhaps best be described as a type of jelly. This jelly can be found to fill up the interior of the cells. This jelly is also known by the name cytoplasm. It is the cytoplasm that is responsible for keeping the small organs of the cell firmly in place.
2. It Provides Structure
Another way to think of cytoplasm would be to look at this substance as a sort of balloon. The cytoplasm is essentially responsible for providing the cell with crucial structure. As you can imagine, an empty balloon does not offer much in the way of structure. However, if we were to fill that balloon with something, we would begin to notice a shape beginning to form.
3. It Helps To Move Things Along
As though cytoplasm wasn’t important enough already, it is also important to note that it plays a vital role in moving things along. Cytoplasm works at moving proteins, chromosomes, and other essential elements and materials. This includes the organelles of the cell that can be found around the cell itself.
4. It Can Break Things Down
The fluid that we mentioned earlier is known as cytosol. This fluid is responsible for doing so much more than merely suspending organelles. It is also going to utilize dissolved enzymes in the process of breaking down all of the bigger molecules. Once this breaking down process has been satisfied, the organelles within the cells can then use these materials as products.
5. It Used To Have A Different Name
At one point in time, cytoplasm actually went by the name of protoplasm. This was largely because scientists failed to fully appreciate the various different types of fluids that could be found in cells. There are a number of different fluids that must be considered and studied. Within this thought, it is also important to keep in mind that each one of these fluids features a composition that is highly different from one another.