What is the primary function of cytoplasm in cells?

The primary function of cytoplasm in cells is to play a vital role in cell reproduction and metabolism. Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance that fills the interior of a cell and is where many of the cell's metabolic processes occur. It houses various organelles that are essential for the various functions of the cell, including energy production and synthesis of proteins. Additionally, during cell division, the cytoplasm is involved in the distribution of organelles and other materials to the daughter cells, which is crucial for successful reproduction.

The other options, while related to cellular functions, do not encapsulate the primary role of cytoplasm. For instance, energy production for muscle contractions is primarily facilitated by specialized muscle cells and their organelles such as mitochondria, rather than the cytoplasm itself. Storing genetic material is the function of the nucleus, not the cytoplasm, which houses the cell’s organelles. Maintaining cell shape is also important, but this function is more directly attributed to the cell membrane and cytoskeleton rather than the cytoplasm alone. Thus, option C accurately reflects the broader involvement of cytoplasm in essential cellular functions.