Which part of the cell contains protoplasm?

Protoplasm is the living substance within a cell and encompasses both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. The cytoplasm specifically refers to the gel-like material found inside the cell, excluding the nucleus, and it is where various cellular processes occur.

When considering the provided choices, the cytoplasm is the correct answer because it is the part of the cell that actively contains organelles, enzymes, and other components necessary for cellular function within the protoplasmic framework. While the nucleus also contains protoplasm, the question asks for the part of the cell primarily associated with protoplasm in a cellular context, which would be the cytoplasm.

The cell membrane is the outer barrier of the cell and does not contain protoplasm itself; rather, it encapsulates the cytoplasm and nucleus. Ribosomes are cellular structures involved in protein synthesis but are not themselves considered protoplasm. Therefore, focusing on the cytoplasm provides a precise answer that underscores its role in housing the cellular machinery necessary for life.