Which Vacuole in Amoeba Regulates Water Balance?

Which vacuole in the amoeba above is responsible for regulating water balance?

A. food vacuole

B. digestive vacuole

C. contractile vacuole

D. nucleus, C. contractile vacuole

Answer:

C. contractile vacuole

The correct answer is option C, the contractile vacuole. The contractile vacuole in amoeba is responsible for regulating water balance within the cell. It helps in maintaining the osmotic pressure by expelling excess water from the cell to prevent it from bursting.

The contractile vacuole acts as a dynamic water pump that collects excess water through a series of canals and vesicles and then contracts to expel the water out of the cell.

This process ensures that the internal environment of the amoeba remains stable and helps the cell survive in different osmotic conditions.