cytoplasmát

Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles. It is enclosed by the cell membrane and, in eukaryotic cells, is located inside the nucleus. Cytoplasm is composed primarily of water, along with salts, organic molecules, and various proteins. It plays a crucial role in cellular activities, serving as the medium for many metabolic reactions and the transport of materials within the cell.

Within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells are numerous organelles, each with specific functions. These include mitochondria, which generate energy; ribosomes, which synthesize proteins; the endoplasmic reticulum, involved in protein and lipid synthesis; and the Golgi apparatus, which modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids. The cytoplasm also contains the cytoskeleton, a network of protein filaments that provides structural support to the cell and facilitates movement.

In prokaryotic cells, the cytoplasm is simpler, lacking membrane-bound organelles. However, it still contains ribosomes and the genetic material in a region called the nucleoid. The cytoplasm is essential for maintaining cell shape, enabling cell movement, and housing the machinery necessary for cellular life. Its composition and organization are finely tuned to support the diverse functions of the cell.