Vacuoles and Their Functions in Cells

These flashcards cover the various types and functions of vacuoles in cells, as well as their importance in plant structure.

Vacuole

Large vesicles composed of a single phospholipid bilayer, mainly used for storage in cells.

Food vacuoles

Vacuoles that store food for the cell.

Contractile vacuoles

Vacuoles that pump excess water out of cells, mainly found in unicellular protists.

Lysosomal vacuoles

Act like lysosomes by digesting and breaking down substances; mainly found in plants and fungi.

Protector vacuoles

Vacuoles that store compounds that are unpalatable or harmful to predators.

Color vacuoles

Vacuoles that store pigments.

Vacuoles in plants

Support cell structure and allow for larger plant cells with lower cytoplasm.

Types of vacuoles

Food, contractile, lysosomal, protector, and color vacuoles.