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Name:

Farah Barkat

Roll No:
bsf1903541

Assignment:
 Cytoplasm
 Plasma Membrane

Class:
B.S.Chemistry
University Of Education Lahore
Multan Campus
Cytoplasm:
Definition:
The cytoplasm is a highly viscous (gel-like) substance enclosed
within the cell membrane. It is composed of water (about 85 percent),
proteins (10 to 15 percent), lipids (2 to 4 percent), nucleic acids, inorganic
salts and polysaccharides in smaller amounts.

Location:
The cytoplasm is enclosed within the cell membrane as is the
case with the other cell components/organelles. With regards to the specific
location, however, this is dependent on the type of cell. For instance, in
eukaryotic cells, the cytoplasm is located between the cell
membrane/plasma membrane and the nuclear membrane.

Cytosol:
The cytosol is the intracellular fluid of the cytoplasm. It is largely composed
of water (over 70 percent) and surrounds all organelles located/suspended
in the cytoplasm.

Characteristics of cytosol:

 7.0 -7.4 pH range


 Viscosity similar to water
 Less than 0.0002 mm of calcium ions concentration
 High amount of charged macromolecules

Cytoplasmic Structure:
The cytoplasm is mostly composed of water (water is the largest
component). Apart from water, sugars, inorganic salts and other organic
components, the cytoplasm is also composed of various organelles (which
also form the endomembrane system) and the cytoskeleton.

The endomembrane system is composed of:


 Golgi complex
 Endoplasmic reticulum
 Endosomes
 Lysosomes
 Vacuoles

Functions:
Some of these functions include:

 Transport:
The cytoplasm is involved in several forms of transportation.

 Maintain the Shape and Structure of Cell:


The cytoplasm is a viscous matrix that is largely composed of water. By
exerting an outward pressure (turgor pressure) against the cell membrane,
it contributes to the general shape of the cell. 

 Protection:
Consisting of cytosol, a viscous fluid, the cytoplasm protects various
components of the cell by acting as a cushion that absorbs some shock that
may otherwise damage organelles.

 Storage:
Various molecules (lipids, fats, starch, etc.) can be found floating in the
cytoplasm. Some of these molecules are used to build different structures of
the cells. Before they are used, however, these molecules float in the
cytoplasm where they are stored. 

 Site of Metabolic Activities:


Several enzymes can be found in the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm, therefore, is
also a site of metabolism for a number of substances.

Plasma Membrane:
Definition:

The plasma membrane of a cell is a network of lipids and proteins that forms the
boundary between a cell’s contents and the outside of the cell. It is also simply
called the cell membrane.
Structure
 Phospholipids:

The membrane is partially made up of molecules called phospholipids, which


spontaneously arrange themselves into a double layer with hydrophilic (“water
loving”) heads on the outside and hydrophobic (“water hating”) tails on the
inside. These interactions with water are what allow plasma membranes to form.

 Proteins:

Proteins in the cell membrane play a role in many other functions, such as cell
signaling, cell recognition, and enzyme activity.

 Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates are also found in the plasma membrane; specifically, most


carbohydrates in the membrane are part of glycoproteins, which are formed
when a carbohydrate attaches to a protein.

Fluid Mosaic Model

Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates in the plasma membrane can diffuse freely
throughout the cell membrane; they are essentially floating across its surface.
This is known as the fluid mosaic model, which was coined by S.J. Singer and
G.L. Nicolson in 1972.

Function:
 A Physical Barrier:

The plasma membrane surrounds all cells and physically separates


the cytoplasm, which is the material that makes up the cell, from
the extracellular fluid outside the cell. This protects all the components of the cell
from the outside environment and allows separate activities to occur inside and
outside the cell.

 Selective Permeability:

Plasma membranes are selectively permeable (or semi-permeable), meaning that


only certain molecules can pass through them.

 Endocytosis and Exocytosis:

 Endocytosis is when a cell ingests relatively larger contents than


the single ions or molecules that pass through channels.
 Exocytosis is when the cell releases these materials.

 Cell Signaling:

Another important function of the membrane is to facilitate communication and


signaling between cells.

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