Editing Protoplasm (section)

== Description ==

===Physical nature===
Protoplasm is physically [[Transparency and translucency|translucent]], [[Granularity|granular]] slimy, semifluid or [[Viscosity|viscous]]. In it, [[Granule (cell biology)|granules]] of different shapes and sizes are suspended in solution. It may exist in two interchangeable states which are more liquid-like sol state and more solid-like gel state which is like jelly. The constituent molecules are free to move in sol state, while in gel state, the constituent molecules are compactly arranged. Protoplasm becomes [[Opacity (optics)|opaque]]  when it is heated. It also [[Coagulation|coagulates]] on heating. It occurs everywhere in the cell.<ref name=":0" /> In [[eukaryote]]s, the portion of protoplasm surrounding the [[cell nucleus]] is known as the [[cytoplasm]] and the portion inside the nucleus as the [[nucleoplasm]]. In [[prokaryote]]s the material inside the plasma membrane is the bacterial cytoplasm, while in [[Gram-negative bacteria]] the region outside the plasma membrane but inside the outer membrane is the [[periplasmic space|periplasm]].<ref name="Cammack" />

=== Chemical composition ===
There are about 30 elements, like [[carbon]], [[hydrogen]], [[oxygen]], [[phosphorus]], [[Sulfur|sulphur]], [[calcium]] and many others which are identified in protoplasm of different cells. They form compounds, like [[water]] (65-80%), [[Carbohydrate|carbohydrates]], [[Ion|ions]], [[Protein|proteins]], [[Lipid|lipids]], [[Nucleic acid|nucleic acids]] ([[DNA]] and [[RNA]]), [[Fatty acid|fatty acids]], [[glycerol]], [[Nucleotide|nucleotides]], [[Nucleoside|nucleosides]] and [[Mineral|minerals]]. They are living as long as they are part of protoplasm. They are not able to perform functions of life independently. The composition of protoplasm is inconsistent and continuous changes take place in it.<ref name=":0" />

=== Functions ===
Some functions of protoplasm are:

# It provides place where all life functions occur
# The cells respond to various stimuli like temperature, light, chemicals, gravitation, pricking, electric shocks and others because of properties of protoplasm.
# [[Cytoplasmic streaming|Cyclosis]] (the streaming movement of protoplasm is known as [[Cytoplasmic streaming|Cyclosis]]. It helps in even distribution of various materials in the cells.)<ref name=":0" />