The term protoplasm was coined by Hugo von Mohl in the year 1846.

Protoplasm refers to the living content of a cell, including the cytoplasm and nucleus. It is the essential substance that makes up all living organisms and is responsible for their growth, development, and functioning.

Hugo von Mohl:
Hugo von Mohl, a German botanist and professor, is credited with coining the term protoplasm. He made significant contributions to the field of botany and is considered one of the pioneers of cell biology. Mohl introduced the term during his studies on plant cells and their structure.

Development of the term:
During the early 19th century, scientists were exploring the cellular composition of living organisms. Robert Brown had discovered the presence of a central structure within plant cells, which he named the nucleus. However, the understanding of the overall composition of cells was limited at that time.

Hugo von Mohl conducted extensive research on plant cells, focusing on their structure and organization. Through his investigations, he observed a viscous fluid-like substance within cells that surrounded the nucleus. Recognizing the significance of this substance, Mohl named it "protoplasm," derived from the Greek words "protos" meaning first or primary, and "plasma" meaning something formed or molded.

Importance and impact of the term:
The introduction of the term protoplasm by Mohl revolutionized the field of biology. It provided a unifying concept that highlighted the fundamental similarity and commonality among all living organisms. The term helped scientists understand that cells, regardless of their complexity or specialization, shared a common component essential for life.

Mohl's work on protoplasm laid the foundation for further studies on cellular biology and the understanding of life processes. It paved the way for future advancements in fields such as cell physiology, genetics, and developmental biology.

In conclusion, the term protoplasm was coined by Hugo von Mohl in 1846. His observations and studies on plant cells led him to name the essential living content of cells as protoplasm, which revolutionized the understanding of cellular biology and its role in life processes.