Today we will find out what a cavity filled with cellular juice is. That is, we will consider the appointment of vacuoles in the body. As you know, a cell is an 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 cellular juice, and it has the name 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 have to unite into any complexly organized structures. She has a number of properties that allow her to exist independently. Now we turn to the consideration of one of the parts that plays a significant role in the life of the cell.
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. To create vacuoles, the participation of:
To begin with, all plant cells contain these organelles, only in young ones there are much more. Why is this happening? As a result of growth, they merge, which leads to the formation of a central vacuole. It is also important to note that a mature plant cell is almost completely filled with this vacuole (more than 90 percent). In this case, all other organelles and the cell nucleus move to the membrane.
The vacuole is limited to the tonoplast, the so-called membrane of this organoid of the plant cell. The liquid inside the vacuole is cell sap.
Thus, a cavity filled with cell sap and measuring over 90 percent of the cavity of the whole cell is the central vacuole. The composition of this juice includes a very large number of substances, among which:
- salts;
- monosaccharides;
- disaccharides;
- amino acids;
- glycosides;
- alkaloids;
- anthocyanins and so on.
Functions
The cell cavity, filled with cell sap, has a name - vacuole. It performs many different functions. Now we offer to consider them. To begin, we will provide you with them in the form of a list:
- Water absorption. Water is essential for the plant and for maintaining plant life. H2O molecules are also necessary for plant photosynthesis.
- Coloring plants. This becomes possible due to the presence of anthocyanin substances. They have the ability to stain plant organs (fruits, flowers, leaves).
- The withdrawal of toxic substances. In vacuoles, oxalate crystals are deposited. Some secondary metabolites also have good (useful) qualities, for example, give the plants a bitter taste and save them from eating.
- Stock of nutrients. The cell can, if necessary, take advantage of vacuole reserves, as it stores a number of substances useful for the cell.
- Cleavage of 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, only plant cells were said. Now we will get to know the functions of this organelle in animals.
Vacuoles are present in most simple organisms. So, for example, pulsating are found in freshwater and serve for osmotic regulation. Some multicellular vertebrates and unicellular have digestive vacuoles that 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 they are not in a single quantity in the cell. In the plant, they occupy 95 percent, and in the animal - only 5 percent.