The Cytoplasm and its Components – Biology Poster, 36×26″
by American Educational Products

Comprising the cytosol and the organelles, the cytoplasm contains all of a prokaryotic cells contents, while in a eukaryotic cell, the contents of the cell nucleus are separated from the cytoplasm. It is here that most cellular activities occur, such as glycolysis and cell division.

Made up of approximately 80% water, the cytoplasm is typically colorless. Up until the 1930’s, the space the cytoplasm occupies was simple thought to be a fluid-filled space, that contained dissolved chemicals and an extremely high number of unidentifiable specks. As the electron microscope was developed, those tiny specks were determined to be actual structures, where specific cellular functions being carried out. They were eventually named as organelles, or “little organs”, because of the functions they perform.

The chart has 8 different microscopic photographs of different organelles, as well as descriptions about their functions. Some of the colors shown are naturally occurring, while others are the result of biological stains that were used to enhance details during electron microscopy.