Ask a Teacher

Search



what is the function of vacuoles in our cell?

Vacuoles perform mostly subordinate roles, assisting in larger processes of exocytosis and endocytosis. Exocytosis is the extrusion process of proteins and lipids from the cell. These materials are absorbed into secretory granules within the Golgi apparatus before being transported to the cell membrane and secreted into the extracellular environment. In this capacity, vacuoles are simply storage vesicles which allow for the containment, transport and disposal of selected proteins and lipids to the extracellular environment.

Endocytosis is the reverse of exocytosis and can occur in a variety of forms. Phagocytosis ("cell eating") is the process by which bacteria, dead tissue, or other bits of material visible under the microscope are engulfed by cells. The material makes contact with the cell membrane, which then invaginates. The invagination  is pinched off, leaving the engulfed material in the membrane-enclosed vacuole and the cell membrane intact.


comments powered by Disqus