0

Guest

Courses New

I want a complete note on physical and chemical properties of protoplasm.

I want a complete note on physical and chemical properties of protoplasm.

Grade:

1 Answers

Arun
25750 Points
6 years ago

The Physical Nature of Protoplasm

 
Many theories have been put forth to expalin the physical nature of the protoplasm.
 

The Alveolar Foam Theory

 
Butschili in 1882, said that the protoplasm is a semi-transparent, viscous and slimy substance, essentially a liquid possessing a foaming or alveolar structure.
 

Colloidal Theory

 
Wilson Fischer (1894) considered the protoplasm as a polyphase colloidal system.
 
This theory is a widely accepted one as the protoplasm is seen to exhibit the properties of colloids.
 
Properties
 

i.      Colloidal System

The protoplasm forms a colloidal system composed of a water phase in which mineral matter is dissolved, also having a protein phase, a fat phase and many minor phases. So it is said to be a polyphase colloidal system.
 

ii.  Solation and Gelation 

The protoplasm exists mostly as a sol (which is semi-liquid) but sometimes it becomes rigid and is viewed as a gel (which is sem-solid).
 

iii.        Brownian Movement 

The particles of the protoplasm show an erratic zig-zag movement. This random motion, caused by the uneven bombardment of particle is called Brownian movement.
 

iv. Tyndall Effect 

The scattering of a beam of light by the particles of a colloid is termed tyndall effect. This is a property of the protoplasm also.
 

v.        Ultrafiltration 

The particles of the protoplasm cannot be filtered through ordinary filter paper but can be filtered through ultrafilters such as millipore filters.
 

vi.      Electrical Properties

The particles of the colloid carry an uniform electric charge.
 

vii.     Flocculation or Co-agulation 

When the particles of a colloid lose their charges they tend to aggregate and increase in size. As a result they fall out and get precipitated. In other words protoplasm loses its living property.
 
These properties of the protoplasm indicate that it is a living substance and has rightly been termed as the physical basis of life (vivum fluidum).
 

Chemical Nature of Protoplasm

 
The major constituent of the protoplasm is water which makes up 90% of it. The dry matter has several organic and inorganic substances. Proteins and other nitrogen-containing compounds constitute the bulk of organic matter. Liquids like fats and oils are also present in small amounts. Compounds consisting of chlorides, phosphates, sulphates and carbonates of magnesium, potassium, sodium, calcium and iron are also present.
 
Since the protoplasm contains all the chemical constituents required for life, it has been called the 'Physical and Chemical Basis of Life' .

Think You Can Provide A Better Answer ?

Other Related Questions on Zoology

View all Questions »

ASK QUESTION

Get your questions answered by the expert for free

Answer and earn gift vouchers

Win Gift vouchers upto Rs 500/-

View courses by askIITians

Design classes One-on-One in your own way with Top IITians/Medical Professionals

Click Here Know More

Complete Self Study Package designed by Industry Leading Experts

Click Here Know More

Live 1-1 coding classes to unleash the Creator in your Child

Click Here Know More

a Complete All-in-One Study package Fully Loaded inside a Tablet!

Click Here Know More