What is the liquid or gel that surrounds plant cells?

The liquid or gel that surrounds plant cells is known as cytoplasm. Cytoplasm is an essential component of cell biology, as it serves as the medium where various cellular processes occur. It contains a mix of water, salts, and organic molecules, which facilitate biochemical reactions necessary for the cell’s survival and function. Within the cytoplasm, organelles and various structures, such as ribosomes, are suspended and can interact with one another to support the overall functioning of the cell.

Protoplasm refers to the entire living content of a cell, including both the cytoplasm and the nucleus, making it a broader term than cytoplasm. Chloroplasts are the organelles responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells, while the cell wall provides structural support and protection, but neither of these functions relates directly to the medium surrounding the cell components. Thus, cytoplasm is the correct answer as it specifically denotes the gel-like substance where numerous cellular activities occur.