The outer, more solid layer of cytoplasm in a cell, as distinct from the inner, more fluid endoplasm; also called ectoplasm.
From Greek 'exo-' (outside) and 'plasma' (formed matter, substance). Cell biologists use this term to describe the structural organization of cytoplasm into different zones with different properties.
Under a microscope, you can actually see how exoplasm and endoplasm are different in protozoans—the outer gel-like exoplasm is where the cell's muscles are, while the inner endoplasm is where the nucleus and organs float around in a more liquid state.
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