Final answer:
The cytoplasm is a semi-solid substance that fills the cell, supports organelles, and hosts many metabolic reactions, including protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Role of Cytoplasm in a Cell
The cytoplasm is a thick, gel-like substance that fills the interior of a cell, contained within the cell membrane. It provides crucial structural support, giving the cell its shape, and serves as the location for many of the cell's biochemical reactions. Organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, are suspended in the cytoplasm and held in place within this matrix. The cytosol—the liquid component of the cytoplasm—contains water, proteins, sugars, amino acids, nucleic acids, fatty acids, and ions, playing a vital role in the metabolic activities of the cell, including protein synthesis.
The cytoskeleton, a network of protein fibers found within the cytoplasm, helps maintain cell shape, secures organelles in specific positions, and enables movement within the cell. Ribosomes, which are found in the cytoplasm as well, are small structures where protein synthesis occurs. The cytoplasm's composition and functions are essential for maintaining cell integrity and ensuring proper cellular function.