Here's why:

* Watery material: Cytoplasm is primarily composed of water, giving it a gel-like consistency.

* Contains materials involved in cell metabolism: Cytoplasm is the site of many important metabolic processes, including:

* Protein synthesis: Ribosomes, the sites of protein production, are found within the cytoplasm.

* Glycolysis: The first stage of cellular respiration occurs in the cytoplasm.

* Other metabolic reactions: Numerous enzymes and molecules involved in various metabolic pathways reside in the cytoplasm.

While other organelles also play a role in metabolism, the cytoplasm is the central hub where many metabolic processes take place.