Question

Vacuoles function in the general maintenance of the cell. Some protists have contractile vacuoles. Plant cells contain a large central vacuole that stores molecules and wastes and facilitates growth.........................

The Endomembrane System

Answer 1

Vacuoles are essential for maintaining turgor pressure in plant cells and have storage, transport, and regulatory functions. The large central vacuole in plant cells stores water and contributes to cell expansion and rigidity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Function of Vacuoles in Cells

Vacuoles are membrane-bound organelles with roles in storage, transport, and the maintenance of turgor pressure, which is crucial for plant rigidity. Plant cells possess a large central vacuole that dramatically influences the cell's volume and function. These vacuoles hold a mixture of water, nutrients, and wastes. In plants, the central vacuole helps maintain turgor pressure against the cell wall, which is vital for the plant's structural integrity. Water stored in the vacuole provides this pressure, helping keep the leaves from wilting and supporting cell expansion without the need for additional cytoplasm.

Additionally, vesicles and vacuoles also stand out for their capacity in secretory, excretory, and storage functions. Unlike vesicles, which can fuse with other membranes within the cell, a vacuole's membrane does not, making the vacuole a more stable storage environment. Certain vacuoles, like the contractile vacuoles found in some protists, are specialized to expel excess water, thereby regulating the internal environment of the cell.

Answer 2

Vacuoles are membrane-bound organelles in cells crucial for storage, transport, and maintaining turgor pressure in plant cells. The large central vacuole in plant cells stores water and other substances, keeping the plant turgid and upright. Animal cells have smaller vacuoles and do not feature this central vacuole.

Step-by-step explanation:

Vacuoles in Cells

Vacuoles are essential membrane-bound organelles found in cells, playing critical roles in storage, transport, and maintaining the cell's internal environment. In plant cells, the central vacuole is particularly prominent, often occupying upwards of 90% of the cell's volume. This large vacuole serves multiple functions such as storing water, nutrients, wastes, and pigments that color flowers. It also maintains turgor pressure which is vital for plant structure and growth. When a plant has sufficient water, the turgor pressure keeps stems upright and leaves from wilting by exerting an outward pressure against the cell wall.

In contrast to plant cells, animal cells contain much smaller vacuoles. Aside from the size difference, a notable feature of vacuoles is that unlike vesicles, they do not fuse with other membranes in the cell. In some protists, contractile vacuoles play a role in expelling excess water, thus helping maintain osmotic balance. Furthermore, enzymes within plant vacuoles may break down macromolecules, contributing to the organelle's role in defense and digestion within the cell.

The central vacuole also critically influences the cell's response to environmental conditions. For example, it regulates the cell's water concentration, which can lead to wilting if the plant is not adequately watered. This function exemplifies the vacuole's role in homeostasis and cell viability under changing environmental pressures.