Difference Between Cytoplasm and Protoplasm | Testbook.com

The terms cytoplasm and protoplasm often lead to confusion as they are sometimes used interchangeably. In reality, the cell consists of various organelles (like ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, etc.) each with a unique function. These organelles are immersed in a gelatinous substance known as cytosol, and together, they form what we call cytoplasm. However, the nucleus is not part of the cytoplasm.

Protoplasm, conversely, encompasses both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. This means that the cytoplasm is a component of the protoplasm. It's worth noting that the term "Protoplasm" is no longer frequently used and is deemed outdated in contemporary biology. Initially used in the 1800s, the term has come to be accepted as a general term for cytoplasm.

Cytoplasm accounts for approximately 70% of the cell's content and is composed of both structural elements and fluid. Protoplasm, on the other hand, is made up of the cytoplasm, nucleus, and nucleoplasm. In essence, protoplasm contains all the organelles suspended in the cytosol as well as the nucleus. The key distinctions between Cytoplasm and Protoplasm are presented below:

In Conclusion

The distinction between cytoplasm and protoplasm is quite subtle; the terms are often used synonymously. However, in academic contexts, cytoplasm refers to everything within the cell membrane, excluding the nucleus, while protoplasm includes both the cytoplasm and the cell's nucleus.
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