Chapter 7.3, Problem 5MI

Summary Introduction

To compare:

The cytoplasm and cytoskeleton by defining each term

Introduction:

Eukaryotic cells contain organelles that allow the specialization and separation of functions within the cell. The plasma membrane functions as a boundary between the inside and outside environments. In a prokaryotic cell the chemical processes occur directly in the cytoplasm whereas in a eukaryotic cell they occur within cell organelles in the cytoplasm.

Answer to Problem 5MI

Cytoplasm	Cytoskeleton
Inside the plasma membrane is a semi fluid material called cytoplasm where all the chemical processes of the cell take place.	It is a supporting network of long, thin protein fibers that form a framework for the cell and provide an anchor for the organelles inside the cells.

Explanation of Solution

Cytoplasm- Inside the plasma membrane of a cell is a semi fluid material called cytoplasm. In a prokaryotic cell, all the chemical processes of the cell take place directly in the cytoplasm. In a eukaryotic cell, these processes occur within organelles that are present in the cytoplasm. Organelles carry out essential cell processes such as protein synthesis, energy transformation, digestion of food, excretion of wastes and cell division. Each organelle has a unique structure and function.

Cytoskeleton- Earlier scientists thought that cell organelles floated in a sea of cytoplasm but now they have discovered that organelles are supported by a structure called cytoskeleton. It is a supporting network of long, thin protein fibers that form a framework for the cell and provide an anchor for the organelles inside the cells. It is made up of substructures called microtubules and microfilaments.