Protoplasm
Protoplasm means the gel-like fluid inside the cell membrane. It includes the nucleus and the cytoplasm.
Under special situation, the cell membrane can be removed. Then, the mass of gel is called the protoplast, as in bacteria.
Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm is a solution containing dissolved materials, as monosaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, other metabolites and waste products.
It is the location of most chemical, physiological changes inside the cell. Besides these, there are many particles suspending in the cytoplasm.
Some of them have physiologicl importance, some others are not. If they play important roles in the maintenance of life, the particles are called organellss.
The cytoplasm can have exhibit different characteristics. Sometimes it may be much mobile. At this state, we call it in the form of a sol. Otherwise, it may be much stationary. We call it a gel.
The interchange between the form of a gel to the form of a sol can be explained with the assembling or disassembling of microtubules. This enables the cells to have shapes and locomotions.
(26.09.2005)
