Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) Practice Exam

What is the primary function of cytoplasm in living cells?

1. Carries hereditary traits

2. Produces protein

3. Is where most of the cell's chemical reactions take place

4. Controls what moves in and out of the cell

The correct answer is: Is where most of the cell's chemical reactions take place

The primary function of cytoplasm in living cells is to serve as the site where most of the cell's chemical reactions take place. The cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance that fills the interior of the cell, providing a medium for organelles to be suspended and allowing various metabolic processes to occur. It contains a complex mixture of water, salts, and organic molecules, which contribute to the cellular environment that supports biochemical reactions, such as glycolysis, protein synthesis, and the synthesis of various other biomolecules. While other components of the cell, such as the nucleus, are involved in carrying hereditary traits or controlling the transport of substances, these functions are not performed by the cytoplasm itself. Similarly, while ribosomes in the cytoplasm are key to protein synthesis, it is not the cytoplasm that directly produces proteins; rather, it serves as the environment in which those ribosomes operate. Understanding the role of cytoplasm helps in appreciating how essential it is for cell function and overall metabolism within living organisms.