Vacuoles are organelles found in plant and fungal cells, serving several essential functions. They store water, ions, nutrients, and waste products, helping maintain cell turgidity and osmotic balance.
Vacuoles also play a role in plant growth, contributing to cell enlargement during development.
They store pigments, such as anthocyanins, responsible for flower and fruit coloration. Additionally, vacuoles can contain enzymes for breaking down cellular waste and toxic compounds, aiding in detoxification.
In some plant cells, vacuoles contain alkaloids, defense compounds, or secondary metabolites.
Vacuoles are dynamic organelles, adjusting their size and contents based on the cell’s needs and environmental conditions.
