Vacuole is a cavity filled with cell sap

Today we will find out what a cavity is filled with cell sap. That is, we will consider the appointment of vacuoles in the body. As you know, the cell is the elementary structural unit of everything that surrounds us. But it consists of a large number of organelles. One of them looks like a cavity filled with cell sap, and it has the name of a vacuole.

The functions of this organelle are very diverse, we will definitely pay attention to this topic. And now it is necessary to understand that the cell, thanks to its organelles, is capable of independent existence. These smallest particles do not necessarily have to be combined into any complex structures. It has a number of properties that allow it to exist on its own. Now we turn to the consideration of one of the parts that plays a significant role in the process of cell activity.

Vacuole

So, we have already said that the cavity filled with cell sap is called vacuole. This organoid is filled with an aqueous solution of various substances, among which we can find both organic and inorganic substances. To create vacuoles, you need to participate:

• EPS.
• The Golgi apparatus.

To begin with, all plant cells contain these organelles, only in young there is much more. Why is this happening? As a result of growth, they merge, which leads to the formation of a central vacuole. It is very important to note that the mature plant cell is almost completely filled with this vacuole (more than 90 percent). In this case, all other organelles and the nucleus of the cell move to the shell.

Vacuol is limited to tonoplast, the so-called membrane of this plant cell organoid. The liquid that is inside the vacuole is the cell sap.

Thus, the cavity, filled with cell sap and having dimensions of more than 90 percent of the cavity of the whole cell, is the central vacuole. This juice contains a very large amount of substances, among which:

• Salts;
• Monosaccharides;
• Disaccharides;
• Amino acids;
• Glycosides;
• Alkaloids;
• Anthocyanins and so on.

Functions

The cell cavity, filled with cell sap, is called a vacuole. It performs many different functions. Now we propose to consider them. To get started, we'll give you a list of them:

• Absorption of water. Water is necessary for the plant and the maintenance of plant life. Also, H2O molecules are necessary for plant photosynthesis.
• Coloring of plants. This becomes possible due to the presence of anthocyanins. They have the ability to color the organs of the plant (fruits, flowers, leaves).
• Withdrawal of toxic substances. In vacuoles, the deposition of crystals of oxalate occurs. Some secondary metabolites also have good (useful) qualities, for example, give plants a bitter taste and save them from eating.
• A stock of nutrients. The cell can, if necessary, take advantage of the vacuole reserves, since it stores a number of useful substances for the cell.
• Splitting of the old parts of the cell through the production of milky juice.

Vacuoles in animal cells

We have already said that the cavity in the cytoplasm, filled with cell sap, is a vacuole. But before this section, it was said only about plant cells. Now we will get acquainted with the functions of this organelle in animals.

Vacuoles are present in most protozoa. So, for example, pulsating ones are found in freshwater and serve for osmotic regulation. Some multicellular vertebrates and unicells have digestive vacuoles, which contain a large number of different enzymes. It is also important to know that in higher animals these organelles are formed in phagocytes.

The difference between plant and animal cells

We have already said that organoids, which are cavities filled with cell sap, are found in both plant and animal cells. What is their difference? It is important to understand that in a cage they are not in a single quantity. In the plant they occupy 95 percent, and in the animal - only 5 percent.