Question

The central vacuole in many plant cells is important for a. storage. b. photosynthesis. c. structural support. d. all of the above. e. a and c only.

Short answer

The correct answer is 'e. a and c only'

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Central Vacuole

The central vacuole is a cellular organelle found in plant cells. It is a large vesicle that is primarily used for storage of water, nutrients, and waste products.

Analyzing the Options

Having understood the primary functions of the central vacuole, one can now assess the relevance of the provided options. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize food with chlorophyll being involved, it takes place in the chloroplasts, not the central vacuole. Thus, option b can be eliminated. The remaining options related to storage and structural support are both functions of the central vacuole.

Choosing the Correct Answer

Looking at the options, it can now be determined that the correct answer is 'e. a and c only', because the central vacuole is used for both storage and structural support but not for photosynthesis.

Key concepts

Central Vacuole

The central vacuole is a large, membrane-bound organelle found in plant cells. It's like a balloon filled with a variety of substances. Mainly, it stores water, nutrients, and waste products. Think of it as the plant cell's very own storage unit.
Inside, you'll find

• Water
• Dissolved substances like salts, minerals
• Organic materials

The central vacuole helps maintain pressure inside the plant cell. This pressure, known as turgor pressure, is essential for keeping the plant upright and firm.
So, while the central vacuole doesn't make food for the plant, it plays an essential role in managing the plant cell's necessities.

Storage Function

The storage function of the central vacuole is one of its most significant roles. It keeps the plant cell's vital resources in check by storing

• Water: Helps keep the plant hydrated and maintains cell turgor pressure.
• Nutrients: These are essential for plant growth and development.
• Waste products: Helps manage and detoxify unwanted materials.

Imagine having a backpack that holds your snacks, water, and garbage until you find a place to dispose of it. The central vacuole is much like that for the plant cell.
This ability to store substances helps the plant conserve resources during tough conditions.

Structural Support

The central vacuole plays a key role in providing structural support to plant cells. It contributes to the plant's rigidity through turgor pressure. This pressure comes from water stored inside the vacuole pushing against the cell wall.
Here's why it matters:

• When the vacuole is full, it helps the plant stand tall and firm.
• If water is scarce, the vacuole shrinks, resulting in droopy plants.

Simply put, the filled vacuole acts like a reinforced balloon inside the plant cells, offering stability and strength. If you've ever noticed a wilting plant and then watched it revive after watering, you've seen the central vacuole at work, reestablishing its firm structure.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process that allows plants to convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. However, it's important to note that this process does not occur in the central vacuole.
Instead, photosynthesis takes place in

• Chloroplasts: These are the true powerhouses for photosynthetic activity.
• They contain chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for capturing sunlight.

While the central vacuole is critical for other functions, it stays out of the photosynthesis action. This clears up why options involving photosynthesis were eliminated in the original exercise's solution, highlighting the specialized role of chloroplasts instead.