Protoplasm is the living substance within a cell, enclosed by the plasma membrane. It is a complex, translucent, jelly-like mixture of small molecules (such as ions, monosaccharides, amino acids) and macromolecules (like proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, nucleic acids) that constitutes the cytoplasm, nucleus, and other organelles in eukaryotic cells

. Physically, protoplasm is semifluid or viscous and can exist in two states: a more liquid-like sol state where molecules move freely, and a more solid- like gel state where molecules are compactly arranged. It appears granular and slimy, and it coagulates upon heating

. Chemically, protoplasm contains about 30 elements including carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, and calcium, primarily in the form of water (65-80%), proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and various ions

. Functionally, protoplasm is the site where all life processes occur within the cell. It enables cells to respond to stimuli, supports cyclosis (streaming movement within the cell to distribute materials evenly), and contains the genetic material necessary for cell activity and reproduction

. Regarding your specific questions:

• Can protoplasm exist outside the walls of a living being? Protoplasm is inherently the living content inside a cell, bounded by the plasma membrane. While isolated protoplasm can sometimes be extracted in laboratory conditions, it cannot sustain life independently outside the cellular environment for long, as it requires the structural and regulatory support of the cell and its membrane. Protoplasm itself does not "motivate" to exist or reproduce independently; rather, it is part of the living cell, which as a whole organism carries out reproduction and survival functions

• Which tissue does not possess living protoplasm? Among the options given:
  • Collenchyma, Parenchyma, and Tracheids have living protoplasm.
  • Sclerenchyma typically does not possess living protoplasm as its cells are dead at maturity and serve mainly structural roles

• What is the "first living fluid" and why is it called the "physical basis of life"? The term "first living fluid" refers to protoplasm itself. It is called the physical basis of life because it comprises the living substance of cells where all vital biochemical processes occur, making it fundamental to life

In summary, protoplasm is the essential living material inside cells, responsible for life functions, and is not found outside cells in a viable form. It includes cytoplasm and nucleoplasm, and its presence distinguishes living from non-living matter in biological systems. Sclerenchyma tissue is an example of plant tissue without living protoplasm. Protoplasm is considered the physical basis of life because it embodies the living substance where life processes take place.