One of the key functions of the central vacuole in plant cells is facilitating cell growth. The central vacuole absorbs water, leading to an increase in size. This growth method allows plant cells to expand their volume without having to divide. As the vacuole fills with water, it creates turgor pressure against the cell wall, which helps maintain the plant’s structure and overall health.
In contrast, animal cells do not have a central vacuole. Instead, they grow through cell division and the synthesis of new cellular materials. Animal cells can increase in size, but they generally do so through processes like hypertrophy or cell replication rather than by accumulating water in a vacuole. This fundamental difference in growth methods between plant and animal cells reflects their distinct structural requirements and environmental adaptations.