The below mentioned article provides biology notes on Cytoplasmic Matrix.
Cytoplasm is jelly-like semi-fluid general mass of protoplasm excluding the nucleus but including all other components— cytoplasmic matrix, cell organelles and cell inclusions.
(A) Cytoplasmic Matrix or Cytosol (Hyaloplasm):
It is the clear fluid part of the cytoplasm which can exist in two states, sol and gel. The two are respectively called plasmasol and plasmagel. Plasmagel is usually present below the plasma membrane. It is called ectoplast. Plasmasol is internal and is known as endoplast.
Water constitutes 90% of the matrix. Matrix is actually a crystallo colloidal complex in water where some chemicals are present in the form of a true solution while others are present as colloidal solution, e.g., minerals, sugars, amino acids, tRNAs, nucleotides, vitamins, proteins, enzymes, etc.
Proteins are the major colloidal particles of the complex. Fats usually occur as emulsion either in the form of globules in the matrix or as component of various bio membranes.Cytoplasmic matrix performs a number of functions.
Important ones are:
(i) Raw Materials:
The matrix contains raw materials and provide the same to cell organelles for their functioning.
(ii) Exchange:
The cell organelles are usually unconnected. They exchange materials through the cytoplasmic matrix.
(iii) Products:
The products of cell organelles are passed out into the matrix.
(iv) Biosynthesis:
The matrix is the seat of synthesis of a number of biochemical like fats, nucleotides, some carbohydrates, proteins, coenzymes, etc.
(v) Catabolic Activities:
Glycolysis, anaerobic respiration and pentose pathway type of respiration occur in the matrix part of cytoplasm.
(vi) Cytoplasmic streaming:
The cytoplasmic matrix is always in motion. It is autonomic and is called cytoplasmic or protoplasmic streaming. This helps in distribution of various materials inside the cell.