The difference between cytoplasm and protoplasm mainly revolves around the presence or absence of a nucleus. Furthermore, the cytoplasm is the one that is without a nucleus. Moreover, the nucleus is present in protoplasm.
Definition of Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm refers to a transparent material that has a translucent and semi-fluid body. Furthermore, the word ‘cyto’ means cell, and the word ‘plasm’ stands for liquid. Moreover, the cytoplasm constitutes all the proteins, metabolic wastes, organelles, and food reserves.
Definition of Protoplasm
Protoplasm refers to a jelly-like substance where various biological and chemical activities take place. Furthermore, the word protoplasm is a word of Greek origin whose meaning is “first thing formed”. Moreover, protoplasm contains 90% of proteins, water, lipids, salts, and carbohydrates.
Difference between Cytoplasm and Protoplasm
| Parameter | Cytoplasm | Protoplasm |
| Meaning | The semi-solid material that exists between the cell membrane and the nucleus. Mostly formed of water and constitutes half of the volume of the cell. | It surrounds the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus. It constitutes both the nucleus and cytoplasm. |
| Structural Difference | Cytoplasm involves various organelles like Golgi body, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, ribosomes, etc., with the exception of nucleus | Protoplasm involves both the nucleus and cytoplasm. So, protoplasm = cytoplasm + nucleus |
| Constitution | Jelly like substance containing proteins, water, food reserves, and metabolic wastes. | Protoplasm comprises carbohydrates, nucleic acid, proteins, lipids, and inorganic salts. |
More Details about Cytoplasm
The enclosing of the cytoplasm takes place within the cell membrane similar to other cell components/organelles. Furthermore, the specific location of the cytoplasm depends on the type of cell. There certainly is a difference between cytoplasm and protoplasm as the former is in itself the part of the latter.
There is a difference between cytoplasm and cytosol. Cytosol only refers to the intracellular fluid that exists within the cells. On the other hand, the cytoplasm is a part of the cell that is within the cell membrane entirely.
In eukaryotic cells, the restriction of the cytoplasm is to the space between the cell membrane and the nuclear membrane. In contrast, a cytoplasm in prokaryotic cells occupies the entirety of the cell environment. On the basis of location, the division of the cytoplasm takes place into two layers- ectoplasm and endoplasm.
More Details about Protoplasm
The first component of the protoplasm happens to be the cytoplasm, which exists between the nucleus and cell membrane in eukaryotes. Furthermore, it is the place of organelles that perform important functions. Moreover, the responsibility of the cytoplasm is for the maintenance of an environment that permits various organelles to perform their functions.
The second component of the protoplasm is the nucleus which has the genetic material of an organism or cell. Furthermore, the nucleus plays a crucial role in determining the activity of the cell and it is also the place of the ribosomes. Moreover, prokaryotes have a region known as the nucleoid containing genetic information rather than the nucleus.
There is a difference between protoplasm and protoplast. Protoplasts are known as naked cells because they are surrounded by plasmalemma rather than a cell wall. In contrast, protoplasm happens to be a translucent, semi-fluid existing within the cell, constituting its living matter.
FAQs about Cytoplasm and Protoplasm
Question 1: Give anyone the difference between cytoplasm and protoplasm?
Answer 1: One difference between cytoplasm and protoplasm can be on the basis of structural difference. The cytoplasm has multiple organelles like the Golgi body, ribosomes, mitochondria, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, etc., with the notable exception of the nucleus. In contrast, protoplasm has both the nucleus and cytoplasm, so basically it is a mixture of the two.
Question 2: What is the difference between cytoplasm and cytosol?
Answer 2: There is certainly a clear difference between cytoplasm and cytosol. Cytosol means simply the intra-cellular fluid that one can find inside the cells. On the other hand, cytoplasm happens to be a part of the cell whose entire existence is within the cell membrane.
Question 3: Explain what is meant by protoplasm?
Answer 3: Protoplasm is a jelly-like substance that is also the place of multiple biological and chemical activities. Furthermore, the word protoplasm is a Greek word whose meaning turns out to be “first thing formed”. Moreover, 90% of protoplasm is proteins, salts, carbohydrates, lipids, and water.
