Nucleoplasm
Technically, the nucleoplasm refers to all substances and objects contained inside the cell membrane. The nucleoplasm, therefore, includes the organelles, nucleus, and fluid inside the cell. The nucleoplasm is basically all the “stuff” within the boundaries of the cell membrane. The easiest way to remember what the nucleoplasm includes is that it consists of the cytoplasm and nucleus.
Technically, the breakdown of the nucleoplasm is as follows:
- The cytoplasm refers to all the structures outside the nucleus but inside the cell membrane.
- The cytoplasm contains the cytosol, which is the aqueous component of the cytoplasm.The cytosol contains about 70% water. The remaining 30% consists of ions and various soluble molecules such as proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, and lipids.
- The cytoplasm includes all of the organelles except the nucleus. The nucleus is not considered to be part of the cytoplasm; it is part of the nucleoplasm.
- The cytoplasm also contains the skeletal structure of the cell called the Cytoskeleton.
- This mixture of the cytosol, the organelles, and the cytoskeleton give the cytoplasm the overall consistency of jelly.
The nucleus is a large, membrane-bound organelle. Like the cell, the nucleus also has a fluid interior. This “plasm” of the nucleus is not called cytoplasm, though. It is called nucleoplasm. Like the cytoplasm, the nucleoplasm is mainly composed of water, ions and soluble molecules. In addition, eukaryotic DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is stored within the nucleoplasm.
The function of the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm is significant. The aqueous nature allows for molecules, ions, and organelles to be transported within the cell. The various molecules that are dissolved in the cytosol allow the organelles to use them for macromolecule synthesis. Also, the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm contribute to the maintenance of the cell’s shape.
The cytoplasm and nucleoplasm exert a force directed outward from the inside to the outside. The cell membrane and nuclear membrane are not strong enough to counteract that force.
