Hey, everyone. Let's take a look at this question together. What is the primary component of cytosol? Is it answer choice. A proteins, answer choice B lipids, answer choice C water or answer choice D sugars. Let's work this problem out together to try to figure out which of the following answer choices is the primary component of cytosol. So in order to solve this question, we have to recall what we have learned about cytosol to determine which of the following answer choices is the primary component. And we can recall that cytosol refers to the liquid component of the cytoplasm in a cell. And we note that cytosol primarily consists of water, but it also includes various molecules such as proteins, lipids, nucleic, acids and sugars. However, since we are looking for the primary component of cytosol, we know that water is that primary component. Therefore, answer choice C is the correct answer. And all other answer choices are incorrect as proteins, lipids and sugars which are found in cytosol are not the primary component, which is answer choice C water. So answer choice C is the only correct answer choice. I hope you found this video to be helpful. Thank you and goodbye.

Ch. 3 - Cell Structure and Function

Bauman 6th Edition

Ch. 3 - Cell Structure and Function

Problem 3.3a

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Chapter 3, Problem 3.3a

Define cytosol.

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The cytosol is the liquid component of the cytoplasm in a cell.

It is the site where many metabolic reactions occur, including glycolysis and protein synthesis.

The cytosol is composed mainly of water, dissolved ions, small molecules, and large water-soluble molecules such as proteins.

It does not include the organelles or other structures suspended within the cytoplasm.

The cytosol plays a crucial role in cellular processes by providing a medium for the movement of molecules and ions throughout the cell.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cytosol Definition

Cytosol is the aqueous component of the cytoplasm, where various organelles, proteins, and other cell structures are suspended. It is a gel-like substance that facilitates biochemical reactions and provides a medium for the movement of materials within the cell.

Cytoplasm vs. Cytosol

While cytosol refers specifically to the fluid portion of the cytoplasm, cytoplasm encompasses both the cytosol and the organelles suspended within it. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping cellular structure and function.

Functions of Cytosol

Cytosol plays a vital role in cellular processes, including metabolic pathways, signal transduction, and the transport of molecules. It contains enzymes and substrates necessary for reactions, making it essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis.

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Functional Groups

Related Practice

Match the terms with their descriptions following. Only one description is intended for each term.

____ Ribosome

____ Cytoskeleton

____ Centriole

____ Nucleus

____ Mitochondrion

____ Chloroplast

____ ER

____ Golgi body

____ Peroxisome

A. Site of protein synthesis

B. Contains enzymes to neutralize hydrogen peroxide

C. Functions as the transport system within a eukaryotic cell

D. Allows contraction of the cell

E. Site of most DNA in eukaryotes

F. Contains microtubules in "9 + 0" arrangement

G. Light-harvesting organelle

H. Packages large molecules for export from a cell

I. Its internal membranes are sites for ATP production

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Textbook Question

A scientist who is studying passive movement of chemicals across the cytoplasmic membrane of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi measures the rate at which two chemicals diffuse into a cell as a function of external concentration. The results are shown in the following figure. Chemical A diffuses into the cell more rapidly than does B at lower external concentrations, but the rate levels off as the external concentration increases. The rate of diffusion of chemical B continues to increase as the external concentration increases.

a. How can you explain the differences in the diffusion rates of chemicals A and B?

b. Why does the diffusion rate of chemical A taper off?

c. How could the cell increase the diffusion rate of chemical A?

d. How could the cell increase the diffusion rate of chemical B?

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Textbook Question

A "9 + 2" arrangement of microtubules is seen in __________ .

a. archaeal flagella

b. bacterial flagella

c. eukaryotic flagella

d. all prokaryotic flagella

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is most associated with diffusion?

a. symports

b. antiports

c. carrier proteins

d. endocytosis

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Textbook Question

The term fluid mosaic has been used in describing the cytoplasmic membrane. How does each word of that phrase accurately describe our current understanding of a cell membrane?

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is not associated with prokaryotic organisms?

a. nucleoid

b. glycocalyx

c. cilia

d. circular DNA

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