1. the basophilic (staining dark with basic dyes) cytoplasmic material in cells, consisting mainly of ribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum; associated with protein synthesis.
Usage: technical; biology; also called ergastoplasm or basophilic substance

Examples

• The ergastoplasm in pancreatic cells is particularly prominent due to their high rate of protein synthesis.
• Under the electron microscope, ergastoplasm appears as rough endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes.
• Cells that produce large amounts of secretory proteins, such as plasma cells, contain abundant ergastoplasm.
• The ergastoplasm stains intensely with basic dyes because of its high RNA content.
• Biologists observe ergastoplasm in cells specialized for protein production and export.