Question

Gel part below the plasma membrane is
A. Ectoplasm
B. Endoplasm
C. Plasmalemma
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Plasma membrane is the outermost layer of the Eukaryotic cell. It encloses the cytoplasm of the cell. The cytoplasm is a quasi fluid in which all the organelles including nucleus are present. Cytoplasm provides a medium for transport of molecules in and out of the cell.

Complete Answer:
Plasma membrane surrounds the cytoplasm of the cell. The cytoplasm consists of gel like fluid called the cytosol and the organelles. The organelles present are plastids, vacuoles, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum etc.

The cytoplasm is composed of two layers-
(I) Outer layer is called the cell cortex or ectoplasm- Ii is the non-granulates watery part of the cytoplasm. It helps in transport of biomolecules. It is adjacent to the plasma membrane.
(II) Inner layer or the endoplasm- It is the dense part of the cytoplasm which is granulated.
(III) Plasmalemma- It is also known as plasma membrane. It is a semi-permeable membrane which surrounds the cell.

The correct answer is (A). Gel part below the plasma membrane is ectoplasm.

Additional Information: Cytoplasm behaves like a sol-gel. It is like a colloidal solution (sol) and also integrates solid mass like gel. This behaviour is due to the interaction between the cytoplasmic components.

Note: Most of the cellular activities like glycolysis, metabolic pathways and cell division takes place in the cytoplasm. Ectoplasm contains actin filaments which provide structural support to the cell.