Cytoplasmic

Cytoplasmic is an adjective used in biology to describe anything related to the cytoplasm, the contents of a cell enclosed by the plasma membrane except the nucleus in eukaryotic cells. The cytoplasm consists of the cytosol, a viscous aqueous solution containing water, ions, metabolites, and soluble enzymes, together with the organelles and inclusions suspended in it. The cytoplasm also contains the cytoskeleton, a network of protein filaments that provides shape, mechanical support, and routes for intracellular transport.

Many cellular processes occur in the cytoplasm. Glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose, takes place in the cytosol of most cells. Protein synthesis by free ribosomes occurs in the cytoplasm, while proteins destined for membranes or secretion are typically translated on ribosomes associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. Organelles such as mitochondria, chloroplasts (in plants and algae), endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes, and vesicles reside within the cytoplasmic space and contribute to metabolic activities.

Cytoplasmic processes also include transport and organization carried out by the cytoskeleton, as well as specialized events like cytoplasmic streaming observed in some plant cells, where cytoplasm movement helps distribute nutrients and organelles.

Cytoplasmic inheritance refers to the transmission of genetic material that resides outside the nucleus, particularly organellar DNA such as mitochondrial DNA and chloroplast DNA. Because these genomes are typically inherited maternally in many species, cytoplasmic inheritance can influence certain traits independently of nuclear genes.

In medical and scientific contexts, the term cytoplasmic is used to describe localization, composition, or events occurring within the cytoplasm, as distinct from nuclear or extracellular contexts.