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Vacuole

Definition

noun, plural: vacuoles

A membrane-bound vesicle found in the cytoplasm of a cell whose function includes intracellular secretion, excretion, storage, and digestion.


Supplement

It can be found in animal and plant cells, and it can be especially conspicuous in plant cells.


Word origin: Latin vacuolum, diminutive form of vacuum.

Related forms: vacuolar (adjective).
Related terms: condensing vacuole, contractile vacuole, digestive vacuole, gas vacuole.


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Which compartments of cell are associated with the following

... is an enzyme that hydrolyzes fat molecules, however where in a cell can it be found? d. Toxic compounds product of metabolism in a plant cell: VACUOLE e. unbound signal recognition particles: I understand that SRP can be found in the cytoplasm however where can unbound SRP be found?? Thank ...

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by NewtoBiology
Thu Jul 23, 2009 12:00 am
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: Which compartments of cell are associated with the following
Replies: 3
Views: 182

Different appearences b/w human and plant cells

... is made up of cellulose, other carbohydrates and protein, this can help give a plant its shape and support the whole plant. They also contain a Vacuole: this takes up most of a plant and it is filled with a watery sap, that when full, will push the cell contents tightly against the cell wall ...

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by snezana
Sat Jun 06, 2009 1:05 am
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: Different appearences b/w human and plant cells
Replies: 9
Views: 682

Why are leaves green?

... be useless. However, most land plants that we see colored in red owe their color to anthocyan pigments. these pigments are stored in the central vacuole of a cell (and thus have absolutely nothing to do with photosynthesis) and serve the role of attracting insect and bird pollinators. I would ...

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by MrMistery
Sun Apr 19, 2009 4:24 pm
 
Forum: Botany Discussion
Topic: Why are leaves green?
Replies: 43
Views: 41410

Chloroplast forming a sphere in Ceratophyllum demersum

probably the central vacuole. I have no idea how chloroplasts might attach to the vacuole, but it's the only alternative I can think of.

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by MrMistery
Fri Nov 28, 2008 4:34 pm
 
Forum: Botany Discussion
Topic: Chloroplast forming a sphere in Ceratophyllum demersum
Replies: 1
Views: 755

Cell Osmosis Question

... be turgid, because the fresh water would make the cell more full, and rectify any shrinkage that occurred because of the salt. The contractile vacuole is the cell organelle that could help it out, because it could expel water if the cell becomes too bloated and pops.

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by gorgy104
Sun Nov 16, 2008 5:16 pm
 
Forum: Cell Biology
Topic: Cell Osmosis Question
Replies: 1
Views: 1054
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