Which organelle holds cell materials and wastes and helps maintain turgor pressure in plant cells?

• A. Lysosomes
• B. Vacuoles
• C. Endoplasmic Reticulum
• D. Ribosomes

Answer: (B)

The central idea is how a plant cell stays firm and stores materials. The vacuole in plant cells acts as a storage sac for water, nutrients, and wastes. It’s the water-filled central vacuole that creates turgor pressure by pushing against the cell wall as water fills the vacuole. This pressure keeps the cell—and the whole plant—rigid. The vacuole’s ability to hold materials and wastes at the same time makes it the best fit for this role. Other organelles have different jobs: lysosomes digest waste, the endoplasmic reticulum makes and transports proteins and lipids, and ribosomes synthesize proteins.