# Vacuole

A fluid-filled space in a plant cell. It stores sap and helps keep the cell firm.

Biology (school) · Part 01: Cells · Card 9 of 12 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

A water balloon pressing the cell outwards.

## In practice

A wilting plant has vacuoles that have lost water, so the cells go floppy.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **Which three parts do plant cells have that animal cells do not?** A cell wall, chloroplasts and a permanent vacuole.

### Interview questions

**Describe three differences between an animal cell and a plant cell.**

- Plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose
- Plant cells have chloroplasts for photosynthesis
- Plant cells have a permanent vacuole
- Animal cells have none of these

## Questions people ask

### What does the vacuole do in a plant cell?

The vacuole is filled with cell sap, a watery mix of sugars and salts. It stores substances and, more importantly, pushes outwards against the cell wall. This pressure keeps the cell firm and helps the whole plant stay upright. Without enough water, the plant wilts.

### Do animal cells have vacuoles?

Animal cells can have very small, temporary vacuoles for storing or moving things. The large, permanent central vacuole is typical of plant cells. For most school exam courses, the permanent vacuole is listed as a feature found in plant cells but not in animal cells.

## Related concepts

- [Cell wall](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-1/biology-school-part-1-concept-7)
- [Chloroplast](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-1/biology-school-part-1-concept-8)

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