cytoplasm
The Cytoplasm The cytoplasm comprises the contents of a cell between the plasma membrane and the nuclear envelope a structure to be discussed shortly . It is made up of organelles suspended in the gel-like cytosol, the cytoskeleton, and various chemicals Figure 3.7 . Even though the cytoplasm consists of 70 to 80 percent water, it has a semi-solid consistency, which comes from the proteins within it. However, proteins are not the only organic molecules found in the cytoplasm. Glucose and other simple sugars, polysaccharides, amino acids, nucleic acids, fatty acids, and derivatives of glycerol are found there too. Ions of sodium, potassium, calcium, and many other elements are also dissolved in the cytoplasm. Many metabolic reactions, including protein synthesis, take place in the cytoplasm.