CHAPTER V 



PROTOPLASM, THE "BIOS" OF BIOLOGY 



Vocabulary 

 Protoplasm, see text. 



Fundamental, that upon which all else is built. 

 Essential, necessary. 



Nucleus, most active part of cell protoplasm, controls growth 



and reproduction usually visible as a denser spot. 

 Minute, very small. 



Function, use or work of a special part. 

 Adaptation, fitness for use. 

 Environment, all that makes up the surroundings of any living 



thing. 

 Primary, first in origin and importance. 



Since it appears that plants and animals are composed of the 

 same elements and use similar compounds for food it would be 

 only natural that their foundation material should be the same. 

 This is, in fact, the case. The foundation substance is called 

 protoplasm, a name derived from two Greek words, protos (first) 

 and plasma (form or substance). It is well named, for it is the 

 first and most necessary substance of all organic things. 



Protoplasm is alive and, in truth, the only living substance. We 

 do not know what life is but we do know that as long as life exists 

 in plants or animals, their protoplasm is active. When it ceases 

 to act, death is the result. 



Protoplasm may be defined as the fundamental, essential, living 

 substance of all plants and animals. It is a jelly-like substance 

 composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, and 

 phosphorus; but while we can analyze it and state its composi- 

 tion, we cannot combine the elements to make it. There is only 

 one Power that can create life. 



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