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Cytoplasmic Matrix

Introduction of Cytoplasmic Matrix

Cells, tissues, and organs are composed of chemicals, many of which are identical to those found in non-living matter, while others are unique to living organisms. The study of chemical compounds found in living systems and reactions in which they take part in known as biochemistry. Studies of the structure and behavior of individual molecules constitute molecular biology. If the 'secret of life' is to be found anywhere it is in these molecules. Complete you want to learn about it click here on Wikipedia cytosol.

Cytoplasmic Matrix,wikipedia cytosol

In fact, all living systems are subject to the same physical and chemical laws as are non-living systems. Within the cells of any organism, the living substance, or protoplasm, is itself comprised of a multitude of non-living constituents: proteins, nucleic acids, fats (lipids), carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals waste metabolites, crystalline aggregates, pigments, and many others, all of which are composed of molecules and their constituents atoms. The protoplasm is alive because of the highly complex organization of these non-living substances and the way they interact with one another. This is just like a watch which is a timepiece only when all of its gears, springs, and bearing are organized in a particular way and interact with one another. Neither the gears of a watch nor the molecules in protoplasm can interact in any way that is contrary to universal physical laws. Consequently, the more completely we can understand the functioning of protoplasm and its constituents on the basis of chemical principles, the more completely we can understand the phenomenon of life.

Physical Nature of the Cytoplasmic Matrix

The cytosol (cytoplasmic matrix) is a colorless or greyish, translucent, viscid, gelatinous or jelly-like colloidal substance. It is heavier than water and capable of flowing. In past, there has been a lot of controversy about the physical nature of the matrix. Different workers advanced different theories about the physical characteristics of the matrix. 

Their theories can be represented as follow:

1. Reticular theory suggests that the composed of the reticulum of fibers or particles in the ground substance.

2. Alveolar theory was proposed by Butschili in 1892 and according to it, the matrix consists of many suspended droplets or alveoli or minute bubbles resembling the foams of emulsion.

3. Granular theory was propounded by Altmann in 1893. This theory supports the view that the matrix contains many granules of smaller and larger sizes arranged differently. These granules were known as bioplast.

4. Fibrillar theory was proposed by Fleming and it holds that the matrix is fibrillar in nature.

5. Colloidal theory has been forwarded very recently after the electron microscopically observations of the matrix. According to the recent concept, the matrix is partly a true solution, partly a colloidal system.

Phase Reversal

Cytoplasmic matrix-like many stages of colloidal systems indicate the property of phase reversal. For example, gelatin particles are dispersed through water (continuous phase) in a thin consistency that is freely shakable. Such a condition is called a sol. When the solution cools, gelatin now becomes the continuous phase and the water is in the discontinuous phase. Moreover, now the solution has stiffened and becomes semisolid and is called a gel.

Chemical organization of cytosol (or cytoplasmic matrix)

Chemically, the cytoplasmic matrix is composed of many chemical elements in the form of atoms, ions, and molecules.

Chemical Elements

Other 92 naturally occurring elements, perhaps 46 are found in the cytosol (cytoplasmic matrix). Twenty four of these are considered essential for life (called essential elements), while others are present in cytosol only because they exist in the environment with which the organism interacts. Of the 24 essential elements, six-play especially important roles in a living system. Theses major elements are carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, and sulfur. Most organic molecules are built with these six elements. Another five essential elements found in less abundance in living systems are calcium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium. Several other elements that are called trace elements are also getting in minute amounts in animals and plants but are nevertheless essential for life journey. That are iron, iodine, molybdenum, manganese, cobalt, zinc, selenium, copper, chromium, tin, vanadium, silicon, nickel, fluorine, and boron.

Ions

The cytoplasmic matrix consists of various kinds of ions. The ions are important in maintaining osmotic pressure and acid-base balance in the cells. Retention of ions in the matrix produces an increase in osmatic pressure and, thus, the entrance of water in the cell. The concentration of various ions in the intercellular fluid (matrix) differs from that in the interstitial fluid.

Electrolytes and Non-electrolytes

The matrix consists of both electrolytes

1. Electrolytes. The electrolytes play a vital role in the maintenance of osmotic pressure and acid-base equilibrium in the matrix For example- phosphate etc. are good examples of the electrolytes

2. Non-electrolytes. Some of the minerals occur in the matrix in the non-ionizing state. The non- electrolytes of the matrix are Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, I, Fe, Mn, Fl, Mo, Cl, Zn, Co, Ni, eTC. The iron (Fe) occurs in the hemoglobin, ferritin, cytochrome, and some enzymes like catalase and cytochrome oxidase. The calcium (Ca) occurs in the blood, matrix, and the bones. The copper ( Cu), manganese ( Mn), molybdenum ( Mo), zinc (Zn) are useful as cofactors for enzymatic actions. The iodine and fluorine are essential for the thyroid and enamel metabolism, respectively.


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