Vacuoles and Lysosomes

An organelle is a part of a cell that has a specific job.

Plant and animal cells (eukaryotic cells) have many different kinds of organelles.

What is the function of the vacuole?

The vacuole is the organelle that is responsible for storing water, food and waste for the cell. The vacuole stores the extra water and food until the cell needs it or is ready to process it. The vacuole stores the extra waste until the cell can break it down and get rid of it.

​Vacuoles store the extra water for the plant. Vacuoles also help the plant maintain their shape. When the vacuole is full the plant stands upright. When the vacuole is low on water then the plant droops.

Vacuoles are found in plant cells

Vacuoles are important for storing extra water and food in our cells.

​​Vacuoles are also found in animal cells.

Lysosomes are organelles that help get rid of the cell's trash. They are known as the cell's trash can.

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Lysosomes

Lysosome contain acids, chemicals and digestive enzymes that break down the cell's waste.

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Lysosomes break down the trash!

Lysosomes can be found in all eukaryotic cells.