Question

Which of the two has a larger vacuole: A plant cell or an animal cell? Explain.

Answer 1

• Plant cells have single large vacuole as compared to the animal cells which have multiple small vacuoles.

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The main reason behind this fact is as follows:

• Storage: Plants form the base of the food chain. They are capable of converting inorganic matter to organic matter. To store these inorganic ions they are provided with the large vacuoles. Moreover, plants can not move from one place to another. So, it is very easy for a plant to be able to store extra nutrients when they are around for later usage when nutrients may not be available.

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• Maintenance of shape: Plant cells are provided with a rigid cell wall which gives them structural rigidity. In order to maintain an upright shape, plant cells fill their vacuoles to exert pressure from inside.

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