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Vacuoles Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vacuoles

[ˈvakjuːəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

cell biology

Vacuoles are membrane-bound organelles found in the cells of plants and some protists. They are responsible for storing nutrients, waste products, and maintaining turgor pressure within the cell.

Synonyms

sac, vesicle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vacuoles

Commonly used in a biological or botanical context to describe storage bubbles found in cells. Vacuoles can contain nutrients, waste products, or other materials.

  • Plant cells have large central vacuoles that store water and help maintain turgor pressure
vesicle

Primarily used in a medical, biological, or chemical context to describe small, membrane-bound structures within cells that store and transport substances.

  • Neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft from synaptic vesicles
sac

General term that can refer to any pouch-like structure in both biological and non-biological contexts. It might also be used informally to describe an enclosed space or container.

  • The lunch was packed in a paper sac
  • The amniotic sac surrounds and protects the fetus

Examples of usage

  • Vacuoles in plant cells store water and help maintain the cell's structure.
  • Animal cells also have vacuoles, but they are smaller and less prominent compared to those in plant cells.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Plant cells often have a large central vacuole that helps maintain their shape by storing water.
  • In animal cells, vacuoles are smaller and may be involved in processes like transporting materials within the cell.

Functionality

  • Vacuoles can store nutrients, waste products, or help maintain pH balance in cells.
  • Some vacuoles also play a role in the defense of plants by storing toxins to ward off predators.

Pop Culture

  • While vacuoles are not common in pop culture, they often appear in educational materials, highlighting their crucial role in life sciences.
  • Cartoons may portray cells as bustling cities, with vacuoles as delivery trucks that store important supplies!

Science

  • Research has shown that vacuoles can affect cell growth and operating efficiency, making them critical for plant and fungal biology.
  • In some experiments, scientists have discovered that vacuoles can regenerate, demonstrating cellular adaptability to environmental changes.

Origin of 'vacuoles'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'vacuole' comes from the Latin word 'vacuus,' which means 'empty,' indicating that they often hold substances.
  • The suffix '-ole' suggests a small size, so it's literally a 'small empty space' in cells.

The word 'vacuole' comes from the Latin word 'vacuus', meaning 'empty'. Vacuoles were first observed by scientists in the 18th century, and their function in cells was later discovered in the 19th century through advancements in microscopy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,544, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.