Ectoplasm (cell biology)

For other uses, see Ectoplasm.

Ectoplasm (also exoplasm) is the non-granulated outer part of a cell's cytoplasm, while endoplasm is its often granulated inner layer. It is clear, and protects as well as transports things within the cell.[1] Moreover, large numbers of actin filaments frequently occur in the ectoplasm, which form an elastic support for the cell membrane.[2] It contains actin and myosin microfilaments. Amoebae form an outer zone of cytoplasm, known as ectoplasm, where actin and myosin association help move it forward.[3]

The term comes from the Ancient Greek words ἐκτός ektos, "outside" and πλάσμα plasma, "anything formed."

  1. ^ "Paramecium Coloring". www.biologycorner.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  2. ^ Arthur C. Guyton, John E. Hall. Textbook of Medical Physiology, Eleventh Edition. Saunders.
  3. ^ Bogitsh, Burton J.; Carter, Clint E.; Oeltmann, Thomas N. (2019). Human parasitology (Fifth ed.). London: Academic Press. ISBN 978-0-12-813712-3.