Function of vacuole

Vacuoles “Vacuoles are membrane-bound cell organelles present in the cytoplasm and filled with a watery fluid containing various substances.” What are Vacuoles? The term “vacuole” means “empty space”. They help in the storage and disposal of various substances. They can store food or other nutrients required by a cell to survive. They also store waste products and prevent the entire cell from contamination. The vacuoles in Let us have a detailed look at the structure and function of vacuoles. Also Read: Structure of Vacuole A vacuole is a membrane bound structure found in the cytoplasmic matrix of a cell. The membrane surrounding the vacuole is known as tonoplast. The components of the vacuole, known as the cell sap, differ from that of the surrounding cytoplasm. The membranes are composed of phospholipids. The membranes are embedded with proteins that help in transporting molecules across the membrane. Different combinations of these proteins help the vacuoles to hold different materials. Functions of Vacuole The important functions of vacuole include: Storage A vacuole stores salts, minerals, pigments and proteins within the cell. The solution that fills a vacuole is known as the cell sap. The vacuole is also filled with protons from the cytosol that helps in maintaining an acidic environment within the cell. A large number of lipids are also stored within the vacuoles. Turgor Pressure The vacuoles are completely filled with water and exert force on the cell wall. This...