Question

A new cell is discovered. The most prominent structure is a large central vacuole. This cell is most likely a(n)?

A) Animal cell
B) Bacterial cell
C) Plant cell
D) Fungal cell

Answer 1

The new cell with a large central vacuole is most likely a plant cell, as this feature is distinctive of plant cells and not found in animal cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

A new cell that features a large central vacuole as its most prominent structure is most likely a plant cell. Plant cells are characterized by having a large central vacuole, a cell wall, and plastids such as chloroplasts, which are not found in animal cells.

The large central vacuole plays a vital role in maintaining the cell's turgor pressure, which keeps the plant rigid and upright. It is also involved in storing water, nutrients, and wastes and can occupy up to 90% of the cell's volume.

This is in contrast with animal cells that contain much smaller vacuoles, thus making the presence of a large central vacuole a distinguishing feature of plant cells.