Vacuole Definition and Function

 The vacuole is a cytoplasmic organelle that contains fluid, bounded by a membrane which is identical to the plasma membrane. Vacuole membrane is often formed by the folding of the cell to the inside. Materials or effluent can be found in the vacuole.


Plant cells containing many small vacuoles, but the maturation of cells, forming a large central vacuole. Food molecules are dissolved, waste material, and pigments often contained therein. Vacuole has several functions, among others:


1) Insert the water through permeable differential nature tonoplas to build cell turgor.


2) there vacuole-containing pigment in the form of a solution, such as antosian, including anthocyanins in red, blue, and violet, also ivory and yellow. Antosian can give color to flowers, fruits, shoots, and leaves. It is, useful to attract insects, birds, and other animals who contributed to the pollination or seed distribution.


3) plant vacuole, sometimes contain hydrolytic enzymes that can act as lysosomes life time. After the cells die, tonoplas loss permiabelnya differential nature so that the enzymes escape out causing autolysis (self-destruction).


4) Being a pile of remnants of metabolism, such as calcium oxalate crystals and several alkaloids, such as tannins. Latex (sap) can be assembled in the vacuoles in the form of an emulsion. Specialized cells that function is called latisifer, for example in Hevea brasiliensi and Cannabis sativa.


5) Being dissolved nutrients storage area that can be used at any time by cytoplasm. For example, sucrose and mineral salts.

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