New Jersey State Board Prometric Practice Exam 2026 - Free Prometric Practice Questions and Study Guide

Protoplasm in plant cells refers to the living part of the cell, which includes the cytoplasm and the nucleus, but not the cell wall. The relationship between protoplasm and the cell membrane is significant, as the cell membrane serves as a barrier that encloses the protoplasm and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell. The protoplasm contains various organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria, all of which function within the confines set by the cell membrane. This organization allows for the biochemical processes essential to the life of the cell.

In plant cells, while the cell wall provides structure and support, it is not considered part of the living protoplasm, making the cell membrane a more accurate point of association for protoplasm. The chloroplasts, which are involved in photosynthesis, are components of the protoplasm but do not define it entirely. Thus, the cell membrane's function in enclosing and protecting the protoplasm is a key reason it is the focus of this question.