Cytosol vs. Cytoplasm: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023

Cytosol is the liquid part of the cytoplasm, whereas cytoplasm includes cytosol, organelles, and other cellular components.

Key Differences

Cytosol is the fluid portion of the cytoplasm, consisting mainly of water, salts, and organic molecules. Cytoplasm, on the other hand, includes the cytosol along with the organelles and other cellular substances.

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The cytosol is the site of many metabolic reactions and is crucial for cellular functions. The cytoplasm, encompassing the cytosol, plays a broader role in cell structure, movement, and growth.

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Cytosol fills the space within the cell membrane but outside the organelles. Cytoplasm refers to the entire content within the cell membrane, excluding the nucleus.

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Cytosol is integral to transporting genetic material and proteins. Cytoplasm, as a whole, supports organelle function and maintains cell integrity.

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The cytosol interacts directly with various enzymes and nutrients. Cytoplasm interacts with all components of the cell, including the cytosol, to maintain cellular life.

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Comparison Chart

Definition

Liquid part of cytoplasm

Entire content within the cell membrane, excluding nucleus

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Composition

Water, salts, and organic molecules

Cytosol plus organelles and cellular substances

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Function

Metabolic reactions, transport

Supports cell structure, movement, and growth

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Location within Cell

Outside organelles

Throughout cell, encompassing organelles

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Interaction with Cell

With enzymes and nutrients

With all cell components, including organelles

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Cytosol and Cytoplasm Definitions

Cytosol

The site of many cellular processes, such as protein synthesis.

Ribosomes in the cytosol are busy synthesizing proteins.

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Cytoplasm

The contents within a cell’s membrane, excluding the nucleus.

The cytoplasm contains various organelles essential for cell life.

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Cytosol

The intracellular fluid that is part of the cytoplasm.

Ions and molecules move freely in the cytosol.

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Cytoplasm

The site for most cellular processes and reactions.

The cytoplasm is bustling with biochemical reactions.

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Cytosol

A fluid matrix that supports cell organelles.

The cytosol's composition can influence organelle function.

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Cytoplasm

A dynamic environment facilitating intracellular transport.

Organelles move within the cytoplasm to perform their functions.

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Cytosol

The aqueous component of the cytoplasm within a cell.

Enzymes in the cytosol catalyze the first steps of cellular respiration.

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Cytoplasm

A jelly-like substance that holds all cellular components.

Cellular activities occur throughout the cytoplasm.

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Cytosol

A gel-like substance in cells, excluding organelles.

Genetic material is often transported through the cytosol.

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Cytoplasm

A medium that provides structure and shape to cells.

The cytoplasm maintains the pressure necessary for cell structure.

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Cytosol

The fluid component of cytoplasm, excluding the organelles and insoluble components such as cytoskeletal protein filaments.

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Cytoplasm

The protoplasm enclosed by the plasma membrane of cell, excluding the nucleus in eukaryotic cells and cellular DNA in prokaryotic cells.

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Cytosol

(cytology) The aqueous solution of a cell's cytoplasm, consisting of water, organic molecules and inorganic ions.

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Cytoplasm

(cytology) The contents of a cell except for the nucleus. It includes cytosol, organelles, vesicles, and the cytoskeleton.

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Cytosol

The soluble components of the fluid matter enclosed within the cellular membrane; the portion of the cytoplasm which remains after removal of particulate components.

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Cytoplasm

The substance of the body of a cell, as distinguished from the karyoplasma, or substance of the nucleus.

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Cytosol

The aqueous part of the cytoplasm within which various particles and organelles are suspended

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Cytoplasm

The protoplasm of a cell excluding the nucleus

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Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is the primary function of cytoplasm?

To support and suspend cell organelles and facilitate reactions.

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Is cytosol the same as cytoplasm?

No, cytosol is a part of the cytoplasm.

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Are proteins synthesized in the cytosol?

Yes, protein synthesis can occur in the cytosol.

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Does cytoplasm include the nucleus?

No, it excludes the nucleus.

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Does the cytoplasm contain DNA?

No, DNA is in the nucleus, not the cytoplasm.

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What is the main component of cytosol?

Water, along with dissolved substances.

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Can the cytoplasm change its composition?

Yes, it can change in response to cellular needs.

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Can organelles be found in the cytosol?

No, organelles are separate from the cytosol.

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Do cellular organelles float in the cytoplasm?

Yes, they are suspended in the cytoplasm.

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Does the cytoplasm help in waste removal?

Yes, it plays a role in waste transport and removal.

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Does the cytoplasm play a role in cell division?

Yes, it's involved in the process of cytokinesis.

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Is cytosol important for cellular metabolism?

Yes, many metabolic reactions occur in the cytosol.

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Is the cytoplasm viscous?

Yes, it's a jelly-like substance.

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Can cytoplasm be seen under a microscope?

Yes, using specific staining techniques.

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Can substances move freely in the cytosol?

Yes, substances can diffuse through the cytosol.

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Can the cytosol store nutrients?

Yes, it can temporarily store small molecules.

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Is the cytoplasm present in all cells?

Yes, it's a fundamental component of all cells.

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Is the cytosol acidic or alkaline?

It's slightly alkaline.

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Does cytosol contain organelles?

No, it does not contain organelles.

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Is the cytosol just water?

No, it contains various dissolved substances.

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Shumaila Saeed

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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