What is the Difference Between Endoplasm and Ectoplasm

The main difference between endoplasm and ectoplasm is that endoplasm is the inner, granule-rich, dense part of the cytoplasm of a cell whereas ectoplasm is the outer, non-granulated, clear portion of the cytoplasm. 

Endoplasm and ectoplasm are two regions of the cytoplasm of certain species. Furthermore, endoplasm hosts the endomembrane system of the cell while ectoplasm contains a higher amount of actin filaments to provide elastic support to the cell membrane.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Endoplasm
     – Definition, Structure, Function
2. What is Ectoplasm
     – Definition, Structure, Function
3. What are the Similarities Between Endoplasm and Ectoplasm
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Endoplasm and Ectoplasm
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Actin, Amoeba, Cytoplasm, Ectoplasm, Endoplasm, Locomotion, Pseudopodia

What is Endoplasm

Endoplasm is the inner layer of the cytoplasm of amoeba. It is dense and contains many granules. Moreover, endoplasm plays a critical function in the locomotion of amoeba. Generally, flowing the cytoplasm over the surfaces is responsible for its locomotion. Therefore, the flowing of the endoplasm in different directions helps to move the amoeboid cell.

Figure 1: Endoplasm and Ectoplasm of Amoeba

Ectoplasm, which is the outer layer of the cytoplasm, is responsible for the direction of the movement of the cell. However, endoplasm is responsible for regulating the concentration of water inside the cell. It can easily absorb and release water due to the presence of a partial membrane in amoeba.

What is Ectoplasm

Ectoplasm is the outer layer of the cytoplasm of amoeba. It is a less viscous region and does not contain many granules. In amoeba, the direction of the movement of the cell is determined by the changes in alkalinity or acidity of water. However, slight changes in the conditions of water may impede the locomotion and result in flowing water in or out of the cell.

Figure 2: Structure of Amoeba

However, with the formation of the pseudopodium, the ectoplasm flows into it. Pseudopodium is a gel-like ectoplasmic tube. The flow of the endoplasm into the pseudopodium follows the ectoplasmic flow, resulting in the change in the position of the amoeba.

Similarities Between Endoplasm and Ectoplasm

• Endoplasm and ectoplasm are two regions of the cytoplasm in certain organisms.
• They have different compositions and viscosities, which are associated with different functions.
• Both terms are used to describe the cytoplasm of the amoeba, a protozoan eukaryotic cell.
• Moreover, both contribute to the locomotion of amoeba.

Difference Between Endoplasm and Ectoplasm

Definition

Endoplasm refers to the more fluid, granular inner layer of the cytoplasm in amoeboid cells while ectoplasm refers to the more viscous, clear outer layer of the cytoplasm in amoeboid cells. Thus, this is the main difference between endoplasm and ectoplasm.

Location

Furthermore, endoplasm is the inner layer of the cytoplasm while ectoplasm is the outer layer of the cytoplasm.

Viscosity

Viscosity is also a difference between endoplasm and ectoplasm. Endoplasm is less viscous while ectoplasm is more viscous.

Clearness

Another difference between endoplasm and ectoplasm is that endoplasm is not a clear region while ectoplasm is a clear region.

Presence of Granules

Endoplasm contains more granules while ectoplasm does not contain many granules.

Significance

Moreover, endoplasm hosts the endomembrane system of the cell while ectoplasm contains a higher amount of actin filaments to provide elastic support to the cell membrane.

Role in Locomotion

The flowing of the endoplasm in different directions helps to move the amoeboid cell while ectoplasm steers the direction of the cell by extending itself into a pseudopodium. Hence, this is also an important difference between endoplasm and ectoplasm.

Conclusion

Endoplasm is the inner layer of the cytoplasm in amoeba. It is denser and contains many granules. Also, it is responsible for regulating the concentration of water inside the cell, which in turn determine the location of pseudopodia. On the other hand, ectoplasm is the outer layer of the cytoplasm of amoeba. This region is also clear and less dense. Moreover, it contains fewer granules. Additionally, ectoplasm determines the direction of the movement of the cell by forming the pseudopodium. Therefore, the main difference between endoplasm and ectoplasm is their structure and function.

References:

1. “Endoplasm.” Biology Online, 12 May 2014, Available Here.
2. “Ectoplasm.” Biology Online, 12 May 2014, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Collection Penard MHNG Specimen 40-1-4 Amoeba terricola” By Thierry Arnet – This document was created as part of the Pénard project (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia   
2. “Amoeba (PSF)” By el:User:Kupirijo – Amoeba_(PSF).png (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia