protoplast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “protoplast” mean?
The living substance of a cell, especially the nucleus and cytoplasm excluding the cell wall.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The living substance of a cell, especially the nucleus and cytoplasm excluding the cell wall.
A cell that has had its cell wall removed, often through enzymatic treatment, leaving the plasma membrane and cellular contents intact; historically, the first or original form or model of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical/scientific connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialised scientific discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “protoplast” in a Sentence
the protoplast of [NOUN]to isolate/fuse/culture protoplastsprotoplasts derived from [SOURCE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “protoplast” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No established verb form]
- [No established verb form]
American English
- [No established verb form]
- [No established verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No established adverb form]
- [No established adverb form]
American English
- [No established adverb form]
- [No established adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The protoplast suspension was centrifuged.
- Protoplast isolation requires specific enzymes.
American English
- The protoplast fusion experiment succeeded.
- They maintained a protoplast culture for weeks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in advanced biology, biotechnology, and plant science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would cause confusion.
Technical
The primary context. Refers to a key material in genetic engineering and plant cell research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “protoplast”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “protoplast”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “protoplast”
- Misspelling as 'protoblast' or 'protoplasts' (plural is correct).
- Using it as a synonym for 'protoplasm' (protoplast is a structured cell, protoplasm is the substance).
- Pronouncing the final 't' as silent.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a viable protoplast is a living entity. It contains the cytoplasm, organelles, and nucleus, and can carry out metabolic processes, but it lacks the protective cell wall.
Protoplasm refers to the living colloidal substance inside a cell (cytoplasm + nucleus). A protoplast is the entire living unit of a cell *after the removal of the cell wall*, which includes the protoplasm enclosed by the plasma membrane.
Typically, no. The term is specific to plant, fungal, and bacterial cells which have a rigid cell wall to begin with. Animal cells naturally lack a cell wall, so the concept of 'removing' it doesn't apply.
Protoplast fusion is a laboratory technique where the membranes of two or more protoplasts are merged. This is used to create hybrid cells (somatic hybrids) for plant breeding, allowing the combination of genetic traits from different species or genera that cannot cross sexually.
The living substance of a cell, especially the nucleus and cytoplasm excluding the cell wall.
Protoplast is usually formal, scientific in register.
Protoplast: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprəʊ.tə.plɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈproʊ.t̬ə.plæst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PROTO (first/original) + PLAST (formed/molded thing) = the original, formed living unit of a cell.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CELL'S NAKED SELF; THE CORE LIVING FACTORY.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'protoplast' most commonly used?