The vacuole plays an important role in the homeostasis of the plant cell. It is involved in the control of cell volume and cell turgor; the regulation of cytoplasmic ions and pH; the storage of amino acids, sugars, and CO2; and the sequestration of toxic ions and xenobiotics.
A vacuole is a membrane-bound cell organelle. In animal cells, vacuoles are generally small and help sequester waste products. In plant cells, vacuoles help maintain water balance. Sometimes a single vacuole can take up most of the interior space of the plant cell.
