Question

What are vacuoles?

Answer 1

Vacuoles:

1. Vacuoles are cell organelles present in the cytoplasm.
2. It is present in plant cells as a large central vacuole.
3. They are absent in animal cells. If present, they are smaller in size, many in number and distributed throughout the cytoplasm.
4. They are membrane bound (bound by tonoplast) organelles having a sac-like appearance.
5. They remain filled with fluids which is watery and contain amino acids, sugars, minerals etc.

Functions:

1. They store waste materials.
2. They remove excess water out of the cell.
3. They help in storage and digestion of food and water.
4. They maintain the shape of the cell by exerting turgor pressure and allow the cells to withstand pressure.