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In the video, "Inner Life of a Cell" there's a lot of empty space between the proteins. Is it just a simplification (i.e. they omit smaller molecules)? If so, what are the smaller molecules supposed to be? Or is it just a vacuum small enough to be ignored?

I've done some reading up on it, and found that it's called cytosol which is a complicated mixture of random proteins and molecules.

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    $\begingroup$ It is a vast oversimplification. At a minimum the space between proteins will be mostly water. There will be plenty of small molecules, ions, and dissolved gases as well. Also, the cytosol is a pretty crowded place.. Also, it might be helpful if you linked to the video so we can see what you're talking about more easily. $\endgroup$
    – user137
    Commented Jan 8, 2016 at 4:37
  • $\begingroup$ @Loogai you answer the question in your question: "I've done some reading up on it, and found that it's called cytosol which is a complicated mixture of random proteins and molecules." - therefore, it's unclear to me why you've posted this as a question, and unclear what question remains. $\endgroup$
    – rg255
    Commented Jan 8, 2016 at 8:33
  • $\begingroup$ I was seeking clarification for the cytosol answer and if the proteins in the video comprise the cytosol, if so the space between them is vacuum. I thought I implied it but I wasn't clear enough. Sorry. Also: "what are the smaller molecules supposed to be?" $\endgroup$
    – Loogai
    Commented Jan 8, 2016 at 15:18
  • $\begingroup$ If the video were realistic and showed all the molecules in the cell, you couldn't see anything because water would always get in the way. $\endgroup$
    – user137
    Commented Jan 8, 2016 at 16:55
  • $\begingroup$ It could be plasma containing water. $\endgroup$
    – Technetium
    Commented Jan 10, 2016 at 7:02

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This is a common simplification of videos and textbook illustrations. In reality a cell is much more crowded and there is hardly any space between proteins. You can find a more realistic drawing here (I linked the pictures, because I am not sure about the license).

Regarding the cytosol: Quoting wikipedia:

The cytosol or cytoplasmic matrix is the liquid found inside cells.
[...]
Most of the cytosol is water, which makes up about 70% of the total volume of a typical cell
[...]
The amount of protein in cells is extremely high, and approaches 200 mg/ml, occupying about 20-30% of the volume of the cytosol

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