Vacuoles are organs that store materials in the cell. Which of the following are stored in vacuoles? \( \square \) food \( \square \) ribosomes \( \square \) waste \( \square \) water

Vacuoles are essential organelles within cells that function primarily as storage compartments. They are especially prominent in plant cells but are also found in some animal, fungal, and protist cells. Here's how each of the listed items relates to vacuoles: 1. **Food**: **✔️ Stored in vacuoles** - Vacuoles store nutrients and food remnants, which can be accessed by the cell when needed. 2. **Ribosomes**: **❌ Not stored in vacuoles** - Ribosomes are the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis and are found free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, not within vacuoles. 3. **Waste**: **✔️ Stored in vacuoles** - Vacuoles can sequester waste products, helping to keep the cell clean and functioning efficiently. 4. **Water**: **✔️ Stored in vacuoles** - In plant cells, the central vacuole holds a large amount of water, which maintains cell turgor pressure and structural integrity. **Summary of Stored Items in Vacuoles:** - **Food** - **Waste** - **Water** **Ribosomes are not stored in vacuoles.**