EUKARYOTIC ORGANELLES |
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Vacuole |
Vacuole
A vacuole is a saclike structure that is used by the cell to store materials such as water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates. In many plant cells there is a single, large vacuole that makes it possible for plants to support heavy structures such as leaves and flowers.
Some animals and single-celled organisms, such as paramecium, contain a contractile vacuole. By contracting rhythmically, this specialized vacuole pumps excess water out of the cell.
This site was last updated on Saturday, November 22, 2008.