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Cytoplasm is a gelatinous, semi-transparent fluid that "fills" most cells. Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus that is kept separate from the cytoplasm by a double membrane layer. The cytoplasm has three major elements; the cytosol , organelles and inclusions. The cytosol is the gooey, semi-transparent fluid in which the other cytoplasmic elements are suspended. Cytosol makes up about 80% of the cell and is composed of water, salts, organic molecules, and enzymes that are necessary for the cell to catalyze reactions. The organelles are the metabolic machinery of the cell and are like little organs themselves. The major organelles that are suspended in the cytosol consists of the mitochondria, proteins, ribosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and the cytoskeleton. The inclusions are chemical substances that store nutrients, secretory products and pigment granules. [1]
The cytoplasm is the site where most cellular activities are done. All the functions for cell expansion, growth and replication are carried out in the cytoplasm of the cell.The cytosol has enzymes that takes molecules and breaks them down , so that the individual organelles can use them as they need to. The cytosol also contains the cytoskeleton which gives the cell its shape and can help in the movement of the cell. [2]
Human Anatomy & Physiology, seventh edition By; Elain N Marieb and Latja Hoehn. [3] Written by Genevieve Thiers -2002 pagewise. [4]