ectoplasm

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ec·to·plasm

(ek'tō-plazm),

The peripheral, more viscous cytoplasm of a cell; it contains microfilaments but is lacking in other organelles.

Synonym(s): exoplasm

[ecto- + G. plasma, something formed]

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

ectoplasm

(ĕk′tə-plăz′əm)

Biology The outer portion of the continuous phase of cytoplasm of a cell, sometimes distinguishable as a somewhat rigid, gelled layer beneath the cell membrane.

ec′to·plas′mic adj.

ectoplasm

the outer layer of cytoplasm as distinct from the ENDOPLASM of a cell. It is often much more gel-like (see PLASMA GEL than the liquid endoplasm, from which there is no clear line of distinction. It is important in the movement of unicellular animals such as Amoeba.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005

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