The cytoplasm is a cell-like substance that fills the intracellular space and is the site where most of the chemical reactions occur.
Cytoplasm refers to the fluid that fills the cell, which includes the cytosol along with filaments, proteins, ions and macromolecular structures as well as the organelles suspended in the cytosol.
In eukaryotic cells, cytoplasm refers to the contents of the cell with the exception of the nucleus. Eukaryotes have elaborate mechanisms for maintaining a distinct nuclear compartment separate from the cytoplasm. Active transport is involved in the creation of these subcellular structures and for maintaining homeostasis with the cytoplasm. For prokaryotic cells, since they do not have a defined nuclear membrane, the cytoplasm also contains the cell’s primary genetic material. These cells are usually smaller in comparison to eukaryotes, and have a simpler internal organization of the cytoplasm.