Today we will find out what a cavity filled with cell sap 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 cell sap and is called 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 have to combine into any complex structures. It has a number of properties that allow it to exist independently. Now let's move on 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 has a namevacuole. This organoid is filled with an aqueous solution of various substances, among which we can find both organic and inorganic. Participation is required to create vacuoles:
- EPS.
- Golgi Apparatus.
Let's start with the fact that all plant cells contain these organelles, only in young ones there are much more of them. Why is this happening? As a result of growth, they merge, which leads to the formation of a central vacuole. It is also very important to note that a mature plant cell is almost completely filled with this vacuole (more than 90 percent). At the same time, all other organelles and the cell nucleus move to the shell.
The vacuole is limited to the tonoplast, this is the name of the membrane of this plant cell organoid. The fluid that is inside the vacuole is cell sap.
Thus, the cavity filled with cell sap and measuring more than 90 percent of the cavity of the entire cell is the central vacuole. The composition of this juice includes a very large number of substances, among which:
- s alt;
- 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 begin with, we will provide you with them in the form of a list:
- Absorption of water. Water is essential for plants and the maintenance of plant life. Also, H2O molecules are essential for plant photosynthesis.
- Coloring plants. This becomes possible due to the presence of anthocyanin substances. They have the ability to color plant organs (fruits, flowers, leaves).
- Removal of toxic substances. Oxalate crystals are deposited in the vacuoles. Some secondary metabolites also have good (useful) qualities, for example, they give plants a bitter taste and save them from being eaten.
- Stock of nutrients. The cell can, if necessary, use the reserves of the vacuole, as it stores a number of substances useful for the cell.
- Breakdown 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 until this section, only plant cells have been discussed. 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 unicellular organisms 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 thatorganelles, 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 the cell they are not in the only amount. In the plant, they occupy 95 percent, and in the animal - only 5 percent.
