Definition

Noun: 1. The living content of a cell: In biology, a protoplast is the living part of a plant or bacterial cell, consisting of the cytoplasm and nucleus, surrounded by the plasma membrane. It is the cell after its rigid cell wall has been removed, either naturally or experimentally. 2. A prototype or original: (Archaic or specialized) The first individual or model of a type; a prototype.

Examples of Usage

• Biological sense:
  • Scientists can fuse plant protoplasts from different species to create hybrid cells.
  • The removal of the cell wall leaves a fragile, spherical protoplast.
• Prototype sense (archaic):
  • In some philosophical texts, Adam is considered the protoplast of humanity.

Advanced Usage

• Protoplast fusion: A laboratory technique where the protoplasts of two cells are merged to combine their genetic material, often used in plant breeding.
  • Protoplast fusion allows for the development of plants with traits from two distinct species.

Variants and Related Words

• Protoplasm (n): The colorless material comprising the living part of a cell, including the cytoplasm, nucleus, and other organelles. (Protoplast is the organized living unit; protoplasm is the substance within it.)

Synonyms

• Biological sense: Spheroplast (specifically for bacterial cells with partially removed walls), cell body.
• Prototype sense: Archetype, original, prototype, exemplar.

Antonyms

• Biological sense: Cell wall (the rigid outer layer that is absent in a protoplast).

Notes on Meaning

The primary and most common contemporary use is in cell biology. The meaning of "original model" is now rare and found primarily in historical, religious, or literary contexts.

Noun

1. a biological unit consisting of a nucleus and the body of cytoplasm with which it interacts