Central vacuole
Central vacuole
The Central vacuole (/ˈvækjuːl/; from Latin vacuus, "empty") is a cellular organelle found in plant cells. It is often the largest organelle in the cell and functions to hold materials and wastes. It also functions to maintain the proper pressure within the plant cells to provide structure and support for the growing plant.
Structure
The central vacuole consists of a phospholipid bilayer, known as the Tonoplast, which surrounds the mass of the vacuole. The tonoplast's primary function is to regulate the movements of ions around the cell, and isolate harmful materials in the vacuole.
Function
The central vacuole plays a key role in regulating the cell’s concentration of water in changing environmental conditions. It can also contain pigments that color the cell, and can store important chemicals and nutrients.
Related Terms
- Cell: The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known organisms.
- Organelle: Specialized subunits within a cell that have a specific function.
- Tonoplast: The cytoplasmic membrane surrounding the vacuole, separating the vacuolar contents from the cell's cytoplasm.
- Phospholipid bilayer: A two-layered arrangement of phosphate and lipid molecules that form a cell membrane.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Central vacuole
- Wikipedia's article - Central vacuole
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