Vacuoles in Animal Cells: Why are they Smaller or Absent?
Why are vacuoles not present or else very small in animal cells?
a) Animal cells don't need vacuoles
b) Vacuoles are toxic to animals
c) Animal cells have lysosomes instead
d) Vacuoles store water, which is unnecessary for animals
Final answer: Vacuoles are smaller or not present in animal cells because animal cells have lysosomes, which serve a similar function, and do not require the water storage and turgor pressure functions of vacuoles as in plant cells.
Answer:
The reason why vacuoles are either very small or not present in animal cells is because animal cells have lysosomes instead. Lysosomes serve a similar function to vacuoles in plant cells, acting as the cell's 'garbage disposal' by breaking down proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and worn-out organelles using enzymes.
Animal cells differ from plant cells in terms of vacuole size and function. While plant cells have large central vacuoles that store water and help maintain turgor pressure, animal cells do not have the same need for water storage, hence the absence or small size of vacuoles.
Lysosomes in animal cells play a crucial role in maintaining cellular functions by digesting and recycling cellular waste. They are essential for the cell's survival and function, providing a way to break down and eliminate unnecessary cellular materials.
Therefore, the presence of lysosomes in animal cells eliminates the need for large vacuoles that are characteristic of plant cells. This adaptation reflects the specific requirements and functions of animal cells in comparison to plant cells.