The document outlines the four main components of the cytoplasm: 1) Groundplasm or cytoplasmic matrix, which is the liquid fraction that suspends other components. 2) Organoids or organelles, which are structures that perform various chemical and mechanical functions. 3) Inclusions or ergastic substances, which are non-living accumulations like crystals and granules formed through metabolism. 4) Vacuoles, which are membrane-bound spaces that may contain sap and whose status as an organelle is debated.

1. Components of the Cytoplasm
Dr Akanksha Jain

2. Four main components of the Cytoplasm. The
components are:
1. Groundplasm or Cytoplasmic Matrix
2. Organoids or Organelles
3. Inclusions or Ergastic Substances
4. Vacuoles.

3. 1. Groundplasm or Cytoplasmic
In light microscopy the term groundplasm refers to the liquid fraction of
cytoplasm in which other components of the protoplast are suspended.
In ultrastructure ground substance or cytoplasmic matrix is defined as
the viscous, homogeneous, clear and transparent liquid part of the
cytoplasm. It has unusual property of being capable of both viscous flow
like a liquid and elastic deformations like a solid.
The cytoplasmic matrix near the outer membrane tends to be dense like
solid and is generally referred to as ectoplasm whereas the cytoplasmic
matrix in the interior of the cell, generally in fluid state, is referred to as
endoplasm.
The groundplasm contains a great variety of inorganic salts and ions, as
well as carbohydrates, proteins, fats and many other organic substances
which are beyond the resolution limit of electron microscope. This
homogeneous ground substance still remains a challenge because the
structural world of the atoms of cytoplasm still remains unknown and
needs exploration.

4. 2. The Organoids or Organelles:
A variety of living bodies of definite structures and functions are
seen suspended in the cytoplasm which are known as organoids
or organelles. These organelles are the main sites for the various
cytoplasmic activities. The organelles are of two types: some
concerned with the chemical works or metabolism of the
cytoplasm and the others concerned with the mechanical works.
The organelles concerned with the chemical works of the
cytoplasm are as under:
(i) Plastids (only in the plant cells),
(ii) Mitochondria,
(iii) Golgi complex,
(iv) Ribosomes,
(v) Endoplasmic reticulum and
(vi) Lysosomes, Microbodies and Peroxysomes.
The other kinds of organelles concerned with the mechanical
works of cytoplasm are:
(i) Microtubules,
(ii) Centrosomes (not seen in the cells of higher plants),
(iii) Flagella and Cilia.

5. 3. Ergastic Substances or Cytoplasmic Inclusions:
In the ground substance of the cytoplasm are seen many
non-living bodies called cytoplasmic inclusions. These
substances are formed as a result of metabolism and are
accumulated in the form of granules or crystals as for
example, calcium carbonate, calcium oxalate, starch grains,
proteins, pigments, tannin, resins and oil drops.

6. 4. Vacuole:
In the ground substance of the cytoplasm
may be seen one or more vacuoles in
addition to the living components. It is a
debatable matter whether a vacuole
should be treated as a cell organelle. The
vacuoles have vacuolar membranes or
tonoplasts and are filled with vacuolar
sap.