protoplasm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “protoplasm” mean?
The living substance of a cell, including the cytoplasm and nucleus, where vital cellular processes occur.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The living substance of a cell, including the cytoplasm and nucleus, where vital cellular processes occur.
Historically, the fundamental, homogeneous living material believed to constitute all living organisms; in modern usage, often superseded by more specific terms like cytoplasm and nucleoplasm but still used to denote the entire living content of a cell.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Slight pronunciation variations exist, primarily in vowel length and stress patterns.
Connotations
None in either variety; strictly a technical term.
Frequency
Equally low in general usage but equally technical in biological contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “protoplasm” in a Sentence
the protoplasm of [cell/organism][adjective] protoplasmprotoplasm in [context]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “protoplasm” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The protoplasmic movements are essential for cell division.
American English
- Protoplasmic streaming is a key feature of many plant cells.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in business contexts.
Academic
Used in biological and historical scientific contexts, particularly in cell biology and the history of biology.
Everyday
Rarely used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Common in technical writing on cell biology, though somewhat archaic; modern texts may use more specific terms.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “protoplasm”
- Misspelling as 'protoplasme' (French influence) or 'protoplazm'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a protoplasm') when it is typically uncountable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, cytoplasm is part of the protoplasm. Protoplasm includes both the cytoplasm and the nucleus.
Because modern cell biology uses more specific terms like cytoplasm and nucleoplasm to refer to different parts of the cell's interior.
Yes, all living cells contain protoplasm, as it is the living material within the cell membrane.
Protoplasmic streaming, also known as cyclosis, is the movement of the cytoplasm within a cell, which helps in the distribution of nutrients and organelles.
The living substance of a cell, including the cytoplasm and nucleus, where vital cellular processes occur.
Protoplasm is usually technical/scientific in register.
Protoplasm: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprəʊ.tə.plæz.əm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈproʊ.tə.plæz.əm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'protoplasm' as the 'proto' (first) 'plasm' (living substance) – the original living material of cells.
Conceptual Metaphor
The 'jelly of life' or 'living jelly' that fills cells and carries out life processes.
Practice
Quiz
What is protoplasm?