Protoplasm: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Greek 'protos', meaning 'first', and 'plasma', meaning 'something formed' or 'molded'.
• The term was first used in the 19th century to describe the living content of cells.
• In early biology, it was believed that the essence of life resided solely in protoplasm.

Science

• Protoplasm is composed of two main parts: cytoplasm (everything inside the cell except the nucleus) and the nucleoplasm (the substance within the nucleus).
• Different types of cells can have varying amounts of protoplasm, influencing their shape and function.
• It's critical for cell processes, as it is where cellular reactions occur and where organelles are located.

History of Science

• Early scientists such as Jan Evangelista Purkyně and Hugo von Mohl contributed to the understanding of protoplasm during the 1830s.
• The study of protoplasm was central to the development of cell theory in the mid-19th century.
• In 1861, botanist Robert Brown observed and named the nucleus within protoplasm, highlighting its importance in cell biology.

Psychology

• Some psychologists ponder the implications of protoplasm on views of consciousness, discussing if all life forms have some level of awareness.
• The study of cells and protoplasm can lead to insights on biological bases for emotions and behaviors in living organisms.
• The notion of protoplasm has sparked debates in philosophy regarding the nature of life and sentience.

Popular Culture

• Protoplasm appears in science fiction, often depicted as the essence needed to create or sustain life in quirky experiments.
• In cartoons and movies, scientists are often shown working with protoplasm while creating monsters or experimenting on cells.
• The concept has inspired various artistic interpretations in visual art, where protoplasm is represented symbolically as the source of life.

With rank #15,778, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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