| Criteria | Cytoplasm | Nucleoplasm | Remarks |
| Definition | The entire content within the plasma membrane excluding the nucleus | The semi-fluid substance within the nucleus, enclosed by the nuclear envelope | Both are aqueous matrices that support cellular components and biochemical processes. |
| Location | Between the plasma membrane and the nuclear envelope | Within the nucleus, enclosed by the nuclear envelope | Their distinct locations reflect their specialized functions in the cell. |
| Composition | Cytosol (fluid), organelles (mitochondria, ER, Golgi, etc.), cytoskeleton | Chromatin (DNA + proteins), nucleolus, nucleotides, enzymes | Cytoplasm hosts organelles; nucleoplasm contains genetic material and transcriptional machinery. |
| Major Components | Ions, water, soluble proteins, sugars, RNA, ribosomes, enzymes, organelles | Water, nucleotides, nuclear proteins, enzymes, DNA, RNA | Nucleoplasm is richer in nucleic acid–processing elements, while cytoplasm supports diverse cellular activities. |
| Function | Site of translation, metabolism, signal transduction, cytoskeletal dynamics | Site of DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing | Cytoplasm governs cellular activity; nucleoplasm manages genetic information. |
| Organelles Present | Yes (mitochondria, lysosomes, ER, etc.) | No membrane-bound organelles (nucleolus is subnuclear body, not membrane-bound) | The cytoplasm contains several membrane-bound organelles; nucleoplasm contains nuclear substructures. |
| Inclusions | Glycogen granules, lipid droplets, pigment granules | RNA granules, nuclear speckles, chromatin | Both compartments contain non-membranous structures related to specific functions. |
| Viscosity | Gel-like; varies based on cellular activity | More viscous than cytoplasm due to high DNA and protein content | The high molecular weight of nucleic acids contributes to nucleoplasmic density. |
| Enzymatic Activity | Contains enzymes for glycolysis, translation, protein folding, degradation | Contains enzymes for DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing | Each compartment hosts enzymes relevant to its biochemical role. |
| Cytoskeletal Elements | Contains microtubules, actin filaments, intermediate filaments | Generally absent; nuclear matrix may serve structural roles | The cytoplasm is structurally supported by cytoskeleton, unlike the nucleoplasm. |
| Ribosomes | Free-floating or bound to ER for translation | Absent (transcription occurs, but translation is cytoplasmic) | Ribosomes assemble in the nucleolus but function in the cytoplasm. |
| Transport Mechanism | Transport via vesicles, motor proteins along cytoskeleton | Transport occurs via nuclear pores (mRNA, proteins, etc.) | Molecule exchange between the two compartments is tightly regulated by nuclear pore complexes. |
| pH Range | Slightly alkaline (~7.2) | Slightly more acidic (~6.8–7.0) | Subtle pH differences can affect enzyme activity and nucleic acid behavior. |
| Storage Function | Stores metabolites, ions, and macromolecules | Stores genetic material, nucleotides, and nuclear enzymes | Both compartments serve storage roles aligned with their function. |
| Dynamic Properties | Highly dynamic; changes with cell signaling, division, and stress | Less dynamic, but undergoes changes during replication and transcription | Cytoplasm shows rapid remodeling; nucleoplasm changes mainly during cell cycle phases. |
| Associated Processes | Translation, signal transduction, metabolic reactions | Transcription, splicing, DNA repair, replication | Division of labor between genetic information handling (nucleoplasm) and protein synthesis/metabolism (cytoplasm). |
