Which term describes a colorless gel-like substance containing water, salt and nutrients?

• A. Protoplasm
• B. Cytoplasm
• C. Nucleus
• D. Cell Membrane

Answer: (A)

Protoplasm is the living content of a cell—the colorless, gel-like material that fills the cell and contains water, salts, and nutrients needed for metabolic activities. It represents the entire living interior, including both the cytoplasm and the nucleus, which makes it the broadest term for what resides inside the cell’s boundary.

The cytoplasm is the portion inside the cell membrane that includes the cytosol and organelles, but it does not include the nucleus. The nucleus is a distinct organelle within protoplasm that contains genetic material and governs activities like growth and division. The cell membrane, on the other hand, is just the boundary surrounding the cell. So, the colorless gel-like substance described fits protoplasm most accurately.