The cell organelle responsible for storing water and other materials is the vacuole. Vacuoles are membrane-bound organelles found in the cells of plants, fungi, and some protists. They play a crucial role in maintaining the cell’s internal environment.
In plant cells, vacuoles are particularly large and can occupy up to 90% of the cell’s volume. They store not only water but also nutrients, waste products, and other substances. The vacuole helps maintain the cell’s turgor pressure, which is essential for the plant’s structural support.
In addition to water storage, vacuoles can also store ions, sugars, and pigments. They help in the detoxification process by isolating harmful substances from the rest of the cell. In some cases, vacuoles can also contain enzymes that break down macromolecules.
Overall, the vacuole is a versatile organelle that plays a vital role in the cell’s storage and maintenance functions.