What is the function of a vacuole in a cell?

What is the function of a vacuole in a cell?

• A. Store DNA
• B. Store water, nutrients, or waste products
• C. Produce energy
• D. Synthesize proteins

Answer: (B)

The function of a vacuole in a cell primarily involves storing water, nutrients, and waste products. In plant cells, vacuoles are particularly prominent and can occupy a significant portion of the cell's volume. They play a crucial role in maintaining turgor pressure, which helps keep the plant upright and supports its structure. Additionally, vacuoles are involved in the sequestration of harmful by-products and serving as storage sites for substances that the cell may need later, such as ions, sugars, and proteins. In some cases, vacuoles can also aid in the process of degradation of macromolecules, contributing to the metabolic processes within the cell. In contrast, other choices focus on different cellular functions. Storing DNA is not a function associated with vacuoles, as DNA is found in the nucleus. Producing energy is primarily the role of mitochondria in a cell, while protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes. Thus, the role of vacuoles as storage units is distinct and essential to the overall functioning of the cell.

The function of a vacuole in a cell primarily involves storing water, nutrients, and waste products. In plant cells, vacuoles are particularly prominent and can occupy a significant portion of the cell's volume. They play a crucial role in maintaining turgor pressure, which helps keep the plant upright and supports its structure. Additionally, vacuoles are involved in the sequestration of harmful by-products and serving as storage sites for substances that the cell may need later, such as ions, sugars, and proteins. In some cases, vacuoles can also aid in the process of degradation of macromolecules, contributing to the metabolic processes within the cell.

In contrast, other choices focus on different cellular functions. Storing DNA is not a function associated with vacuoles, as DNA is found in the nucleus. Producing energy is primarily the role of mitochondria in a cell, while protein synthesis occurs in ribosomes. Thus, the role of vacuoles as storage units is distinct and essential to the overall functioning of the cell.