Question

The non-living cell inclusions are called as
A. Cytoplasm
B. Sarcoplasm
C. Ergastic substances
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Cell inclusions are also known as periplasmic substances which are diverse intracellular non-living substances which are not bound by any membrane. The inclusions can be stored nutrients, pigment granules, and secretory products which are present in the cell.

Complete answer:
Cell inclusions are the non-living substances which do not possess any membrane like glycogen granules, in muscle and liver cells, pigment granules in certain cells of skin and hair, lipid droplets in fat cells, and crystals of various types. Cell inclusions are the example of a biomolecular condensate arising by liquid-solid, liquid-liquid or liquid-gel phase separation.
The cell inclusions are also called as ergastic substances or deutoplasmic substances which are the non-living substances and classified as reserve material, pigments, excretory substances and mineral contents. If any cell contains these cell inclusions then it will become different from other cells and is thus called idioblast. These cell inclusions function as reserves for the cell and help the cells in many ways. Glycogen is an example of cell inclusion and is the most common form of glucose in animals and is abundant in the cells of the muscle and liver. Lipids are triglycerides in storage form and are a common type of cell inclusion.

Hence, the correct option is C. Ergastic substances.

Note: Cell inclusions are cytoplasmic molecular aggregates which are membrane less such as pigments, organic polymers and crystals. Fat droplets and glycogen granules are examples of cytoplasmic inclusion.