Vacuoles (in Plant Cells): The Cell’s Storage Compartments
- What Are Vacuoles in Plant Cells?
- Vacuoles are large, membrane-bound organelles found in plant cells. They are like the cell’s “storage compartments.”
- Structure:
- Vacuoles are enclosed by a membrane called the tonoplast.
- They contain a watery solution known as cell sap, which includes water, sugars, salts, pigments, and other substances.
- Functions:
- Storage: Vacuoles store water and various substances, helping regulate the cell’s turgor pressure and maintaining the plant’s shape.
- Nutrient Storage: They store nutrients, including sugars and amino acids, which the plant can use when needed.
- Pigments: Some vacuoles contain pigments, providing color to flowers and fruits.
- Detoxification: Vacuoles can also store and detoxify harmful compounds.
- Turgor Pressure:
- Vacuoles are essential for maintaining turgor pressure, which keeps plant cells firm and upright. When the vacuole is filled with water, it creates pressure against the cell wall.