Question

It is said that the protoplasm cannot be analysed chemically? Why?

Answer 1

Protoplasm is the content of the cell, which is surrounded by the cell membrane. There is a mixture of macromolecules present in the protoplasm, which are inorganic salts, water, polysaccharides, nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, monosaccharides, ions and amino acids. It is the nucleus and cytoplasm of the cell and is responsible for all living processes as it acts as a living’s ground substance.

Complete answer:
The protoplasm cannot be analysed chemically as it is filled with complex organic and living cell organelles which are able to disintegrate if chemicals are added to analyse. Besides, due to the complexity of physical and chemical properties, the ultimate chemical nature of protoplasm is not in a position to be explored. Protoplasm is a jelly-like substance, which forms the cell’s living part. Further, it consists of both organic and inorganic substances, which establish the living cell organelles of the cell.
The protoplasm is a very complex machinery of an organic living cell. Whenever chemicals are added to it, it splits into small parts. Hence, it is impossible to analyse chemically the same because the moment it stops being protoplasm immediately, when it is removed from the organism. Also, it serves as the cell’s living matter. Every cell has a different composition and so, the composition of protoplasm also varies with cells. It seems that the protoplasm cannot be chemically analysed. For the sake of analysing protoplasm, it has to be removed. But, if protoplasm is removed from the cell, it won’t be a protoplasm anymore.

Note:
Protoplasm surrounding the cell nucleus is called cytoplasm. When it is present inside the cell nucleus, it is called nucleoplasm. $95$% Weight of the body is contributed by the protoplasm. Huxley said that protoplasm forms life’s physical basis. Protoplasm is semi-transparent and semi-solid. On account of the presence of numerous organelles in the cell, it looks granular.