Vacuoles By Breelyn Johnson-Fite

What are vacuoles? Vacuole: cytoplasmic membrane surrounding the vacuole Membrane surrounding vacuole is called the tonoplast. Water channels of the tonoplast help maintain cell tonicity.

Vacuoles Functions Stores waste products so the rest of the cell is protected from contamination Stores enzymes that break down macromolecules and detoxifying foreign substances Slowly breaks down waste products into small pieces that cannot hurt the cell Holds quantities of water or food

Types of Vacuoles Different vacuoles types can be found in different cells Some fungi and protists Specialized, depending on the needs of the cell Types Central vacuole: helps maintain plants' shape and structure by storing water. Food vacuole: storage for molecules that is a food source for the cell (protozoans) Contractile vacuole: found in some protists, can pump water and used to maintain water balance ( in many microorganisms) Others: storage or split toxic materials from the cytoplasm

Types of Vacuoles

Where are vacuoles found? Fungi Protist (Some of them)

Fungi Vacuoles Functions Similar to that in plant cells There can be multiple vacuoles Maintaining the right pH level Help in maintain an acidic internal pH in cells

Protist Vacuole Have both food and contractile vacuoles.

Where are vacuoles found? Plant Cell Animal Cell (absent sometimes)

Plant Vacuoles Has one large central vacuole taking up 30%-90% of cell volume Larger in plant cells

Plant Vacuoles Vacuoles plays an important role in plant structure. The cell grows by expanding the central vacuole. Depending on how much water is present the size of that cell may still increase or decrease. Most of a plant cell's volume depends on the material in vacuoles. Can expand in size to increase the tonicity. Help Give Structure

Animal Vacuoles Much smaller than plant cells One or more small vacuoles

Animal Vacuoles Get rid of waste and extra water Their Job

Disease Association Vacuolar Myopathy Occurs when many abnormal vacuoles develop in the muscle cells. There are several types of vacuolar myopathy. They stop the muscles from working properly. Can cause weakness and difficulty moving and breathing.

Disease Association The most affected muscles are legs and arms, heart or chest muscles may also be affected. The severity and worsening of muscle weakness, depends on the type.