Contractile vacuoles: Difference between revisions
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A contractile vacuole is a liquid-filled, membrane bound organelle (sometimes multiple) present in [[ | A contractile vacuole is a liquid-filled, membrane bound organelle (sometimes multiple) present in [[Eukaryotic|eukaryotic]] ciliates, notably [[Paramecium Cells|Paramecium]] cells. | ||
It serves as an osmoregulator in the cytoplasm of nearly all ciliates. It pulsates with regular frequency under natural conditions: grows (diastole) to a certain size and then contracts (systole), emptying its contents, which may include dissolved “waste materials”, to the exterior via one or more of the contractile vacuole pores in the [[Cell membrane|cell surface membrane]]<ref>Lynn H. (2008) The ciliated Protozoa Characterization, classification and Guide to the literature, New York: Springer.</ref>. This serves as an osmoregulation mechanism, allowing cells to efficiently control their internal [[Osmolarity|osmolality]] and often to avoid lysis. | It serves as an osmoregulator in the cytoplasm of nearly all ciliates. It pulsates with regular frequency under natural conditions: grows (diastole) to a certain size and then contracts (systole), emptying its contents, which may include dissolved “waste materials”, to the exterior via one or more of the contractile vacuole pores in the [[Cell membrane|cell surface membrane]]<ref>Lynn H. (2008) The ciliated Protozoa Characterization, classification and Guide to the literature, New York: Springer.</ref>. This serves as an osmoregulation mechanism, allowing cells to efficiently control their internal [[Osmolarity|osmolality]] and often to avoid lysis. | ||
=== | === References === | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Revision as of 12:00, 29 November 2012
A contractile vacuole is a liquid-filled, membrane bound organelle (sometimes multiple) present in eukaryotic ciliates, notably Paramecium cells.
It serves as an osmoregulator in the cytoplasm of nearly all ciliates. It pulsates with regular frequency under natural conditions: grows (diastole) to a certain size and then contracts (systole), emptying its contents, which may include dissolved “waste materials”, to the exterior via one or more of the contractile vacuole pores in the cell surface membrane[1]. This serves as an osmoregulation mechanism, allowing cells to efficiently control their internal osmolality and often to avoid lysis.
References
- ↑ Lynn H. (2008) The ciliated Protozoa Characterization, classification and Guide to the literature, New York: Springer.