What are the differences between ectoplasm and endoplasm?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Endoplasm

Ectoplasm

Definition

The more fluid, granular inner layer of the cytoplasm in amoeboid cells

The more viscous, clear outer layer of the cytoplasm in ameboid cells

Location in the cell

The endoplasm is located in the inner layer of the cytoplasm

The ectoplasm is located in the outer layer of the cytoplasm, adjacent to the plasma membrane

Area

Endoplasm occupies a large region of the cell

Ectoplasm occupies a small region in the cell

Density

Endoplasm is more dense

Ectoplasm is less dense

Cellular processes

Endoplasm is the site for most cellular processes

Not many cellular processes occur in the ectoplasm

Quantity of granules

Contains more granules than the ectoplasm

Does not contain many granules

Function

Contains the endomembrane system of the cell

Has a high quantity of actin filaments to provide elastic support to the cell membrane

Properties

Is less viscous (clear gel)

Is more viscous, fluid like

Role in locomotion

The movement of the ambodoid cell is assisted by the endoplasm flowing in different directions

The ectoplasm extends into a pseudopodium to direct the cell’s movement

Basis of differentiation	Endoplasm	Ectoplasm
Definition	The more fluid, granular inner layer of the cytoplasm in amoeboid cells	The more viscous, clear outer layer of the cytoplasm in ameboid cells
Location in the cell	The endoplasm is located in the inner layer of the cytoplasm	The ectoplasm is located in the outer layer of the cytoplasm, adjacent to the plasma membrane
Area	Endoplasm occupies a large region of the cell	Ectoplasm occupies a small region in the cell
Density	Endoplasm is more dense	Ectoplasm is less dense
Cellular processes	Endoplasm is the site for most cellular processes	Not many cellular processes occur in the ectoplasm
Quantity of granules	Contains more granules than the ectoplasm	Does not contain many granules
Function	Contains the endomembrane system of the cell	Has a high quantity of actin filaments to provide elastic support to the cell membrane
Properties	Is less viscous (clear gel)	Is more viscous, fluid like
Role in locomotion	The movement of the ambodoid cell is assisted by the endoplasm flowing in different directions	The ectoplasm extends into a pseudopodium to direct the cell’s movement