SPONGIOPLASM Meaning and
Definition
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Spongioplasm is a term predominantly used in the field of biology to refer to the specialized region within the cytoplasm of a cell, specifically found in animal cells. It constitutes a complex and intricate network of fibers and filaments known as the cytoskeleton. The spongioplasm is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity, shape, and organization of the cell, as well as providing support for various cellular processes.
Composed of three major components, namely microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments, the spongioplasm acts as an internal framework within the cell. Microtubules are long, hollow tubes composed of proteins that play a crucial role in maintaining cell shape and serving as tracks for the movement of substances within the cell. Microfilaments, on the other hand, are thin, solid filaments made of proteins, contributing to various cellular activities such as cell division and muscle contraction. Intermediate filaments provide strength and stability to the cell.
The spongioplasm not only ensures the physical properties of the cell but also participates in cellular processes such as cell division, intracellular transport, and cell movement. It acts as a scaffold, organizing the interior of the cell and facilitating the transport of molecules and organelles. Moreover, spongioplasmic fibers also enable cellular locomotion and movement, allowing certain cells to migrate and change shape.
Overall, spongioplasm represents the intricate network of fibers within the cytoplasm of animal cells that primarily serves to maintain cell structure and support cellular processes crucial for the proper functioning of organisms.
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The fibrillar network supporting the fluid portion, or hyaloplasm, of protoplasm; cytoreticulum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPONGIOPLASM
- apongioplasm
- zpongioplasm
- xpongioplasm
- dpongioplasm
- epongioplasm
- wpongioplasm
- soongioplasm
- slongioplasm
- s-ongioplasm
- s0ongioplasm
- spingioplasm
- spkngioplasm
- splngioplasm
- sppngioplasm
- sp0ngioplasm
- sp9ngioplasm
- spobgioplasm
- spomgioplasm
- spojgioplasm
- spohgioplasm
Etymology of SPONGIOPLASM
The term "spongioplasm" is primarily used in biology and cell biology to describe the network of fibers and organelles within the cytoplasm of a cell.
The word "spongioplasm" is derived from two Greek words: "spongia" and "plasma".
The word "spongia" (present in the English word "sponge") originally referred to a sea sponge, known for its porous structure. In the context of "spongioplasm", it metaphorically describes the network-like appearance of the fibers and organelles within the cytoplasm.
The word "plasma" in Greek refers to something formed or molded, and in this case, it refers to the fluid portion of the cytoplasm that surrounds and supports the spongioplasmic network.
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