What is a vacuole?

A vacuole is accurately described as a tiny cavity filled with fluid in the cytoplasm. These structures are essential components of both plant and animal cells, although they tend to be larger and more prominent in plant cells. Vacuoles serve various functions, including storage of nutrients, waste products, and help in maintaining turgor pressure, which is vital for keeping plant cells rigid and supporting the overall structure of the plant.

In plants, central vacuoles can also contribute to growth by absorbing water and enabling the cell to expand. In contrast, animal cells may contain smaller vacuoles that perform similar functions but are not as pronounced as in plant cells. Understanding the role of vacuoles is fundamental to grasping cell biology and how cells maintain homeostasis and respond to their environment.