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Multiple Choice
What is the primary function of the contractile vacuole in eukaryotic cells?
A
To regulate water balance by expelling excess water
B
To synthesize proteins
C
To facilitate cellular respiration
D
To store nutrients and waste products
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the contractile vacuole: It is an organelle found in some eukaryotic cells, particularly in protists like amoebas and paramecia.
Recognize the environment these organisms often inhabit: Many protists live in freshwater environments where the concentration of solutes inside the cell is higher than outside, leading to water influx.
Identify the problem caused by this environment: Excess water entering the cell can lead to swelling and potentially bursting if not regulated.
Learn the primary function of the contractile vacuole: It collects excess water from the cytoplasm and expels it from the cell, maintaining osmotic balance.
Connect the function to the options provided: The contractile vacuole's role in expelling excess water aligns with regulating water balance, not synthesizing proteins, facilitating cellular respiration, or storing nutrients and waste products.