Organelles that Store, Clean Up, and Support
Vacuoles and Vesicles
Vacuoles and vesicles perform the similar functions, but they have slight differences. Vacuoles are large, sac-like membranes found in plants. They are used in the processes storage and excretion; they store materials like water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates. In plant cells, there is a single, central vacuole. Because of the pressure the material inside the vacuole creates, central vacuoles help to increase the rigidity of plant cells.
Vesicles are much smaller, membrane enclosed structures found in animals, and are involved in egestion, digestion, and ingestion. Vesicles store and move materials between cell organelles and to and from the surface of the cell.
Vesicles are much smaller, membrane enclosed structures found in animals, and are involved in egestion, digestion, and ingestion. Vesicles store and move materials between cell organelles and to and from the surface of the cell.
Lysosomes
Found only in animals, lysosomes are essential for digestion. Lysosomes are small vesicles filled with enzymes, which, as you know, are important to breaking down lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. When the lysosomes break these macromolecules down, they turn them into small molecules that can be useful to the cell. Lysosomes also break down cell organelles that no longer serve any purpose to the cell.
Microfilaments and Microtubules
Microfilaments (picture to the left) and microtubules (picture on the bottom) are found in both plant and animal cells. Microfilaments are thread-like structures made up of a specific protein called actin. They are used for supporting the cell through the formation of extensive protein networks.
Microtubules, also used for support, are hollow structures that look like small tubes. They are made up of tubulins, which are a type of protein. They are critical to maintaining cell shape and in the process of cell division.
Microtubules, also used for support, are hollow structures that look like small tubes. They are made up of tubulins, which are a type of protein. They are critical to maintaining cell shape and in the process of cell division.
Centrioles
Centrioles, located close to the nucleus, are found only in animals and are involved in the process of reproduction. Centrioles move chromosomes during cell division to help complete reproduction.