Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

food-vacuole

Noun

/fuːd ˈvækjʊoʊl/

Definition

A food vacuole is a membrane-bound organelle found in various types of cells, particularly in single-celled organisms and some multicellular organisms, that holds food particles and aids in digestion.

Examples

The amoeba uses its food vacuole to digest the captured bacteria.
Food vacuoles are essential in protozoans for nutrient processing.
As the food vacuole forms, enzymes are secreted to break down the food into usable components.

Meaning

The food vacuole serves as a storage compartment for nutrients and plays a crucial role in the cellular digestion process by breaking down food particles and absorbing nutrients for the cell’s metabolism.