The cellular components are called cell organelles. These cell organelles include both membrane and non-membrane bound organelles, present within the cells and are distinct in their structures and functions. They coordinate and function efficiently for the normal functioning of the cell. A few of them function by providing shape and support, whereas some are involved in the locomotion and reproduction of a cell. There are various organelles present within the cell and are classified into three categories based on the presence or absence of membrane. Organelles without membrane: The Cell wall, Ribosomes, and Cytoskeleton are non-membrane-bound cell organelles. They are present both in prokaryotic cell and the eukaryotic cell. Single membrane-bound organelles: Vacuole, Lysosome, Golgi apparatus, Endoplasmic Reticulum are single membrane-bound organelles present only in a eukaryotic cell. Double membrane-bound organelles: Nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplast are double membrane-bound organelles present only in a eukaryotic cell. The term “vacuole” means “empty space”. They help in the storage and disposal of various substances. They can store food or other nutrients required by a cell to survive. They also store waste products and prevent the entire cell from contamination. The vacuoles in plant cells are larger than those in the animal cells. The plant vacuoles occupy more than 80% of the volume of the cell. The vacuoles may be one or more in number. Structure of Vacuole The vacuole is a membrane bound structure found in the cytoplasmic matrix of a cell. The membrane surrounding the vacuole is known as tonoplast. The components of the vacuole, known as the cell sap, differ from that of the surrounding cytoplasm. The membranes are composed of phospholipids. The membranes are embedded with proteins that help in transporting molecules across the membrane. Different combinations of these proteins help the vacuoles to hold different materials. Functions of Vacuole The important functions of vacuole include: Storage: A vacuole stores salts, minerals, pigments and proteins within the cell. The solution that fills a vacuole is known as the cell sap. The vacuole is also filled with protons from the cytosol that helps in maintaining an acidic environment within the cell. A large number of lipids are also stored within the vacuoles. Turgor Pressure: The vacuoles are completely filled with water and exert force on the cell wall. This is known as turgor pressure. It provides shape to the cell and helps it to withstand extreme conditions. Endocytosis and Exocytosis: The substances are taken in by a vacuole through endocytosis and excreted through exocytosis. These substances are stored in the cells, separated from the cytosol. Lysosomes are vesicles that intake food and digest it. This is endocytosis and it varies in different cells. An animal cell contains several vacuoles performing different functions. It has several vesicles that fuse together to form vacuoles. Endocytosis is defined as the process of trapping a particle or substance from the external environment by engulfing it. Endocytosis is of two types: phagocytosis, also known as cellular eating and pinocytosis, also referred to as cellular drinking. Exocytosis, on the other hand, is described as the process of fusing vesicles with the plasma membrane to release their contents to the external environment of the cell. Submit Your Manuscript at https://www.imedpub.com/submissions/anatomical-science-research.html or anatomicalsci@scholarlymed.com Best Regards Jacqueline Managing Editor Journal of Anatomical Science and Research