How does the Structure of Vacuole Help in its Functioning?
The vacuole structure is designed to aid this important cell organelle, which is one of the key plant and animal cell differences. The vacuole membrane, the tonoplast, helps to separate the contents of the vacuole from those floating in the cytoplasm. Thus, this membrane does not allow harmful substances present in the vacuole from entering and harming the rest of the cell. As the tonoplast is selectively permeable in nature, it also tends to maintain the pH and ionic concentration of the cell, by regulating what travels in and out of the vacuole. Also, due to the vacuole being so large, it pushes the contents of the cell to the borders, near the cell wall and cell membrane and thus, helps maintain the turgor pressure of the cell. Furthermore, the vacuole sap contains many different digestive enzymes that are capable of destroying the cell (which come handy when there is a need for apoptosis). The tonoplast also aids in, along with maintaining turgor pressure, supporting the structures
