Which organelle is typically the largest in plant cells and stores water?

• A. Vacuoles
• B. Mitochondria
• C. Nucleus
• D. Golgi apparatus

Answer: (A)

Vacuoles are typically the largest organelles in plant cells, especially the central vacuole. It stores water and dissolved substances, and the uptake of water into this compartment helps maintain turgor pressure, which keeps the plant cell firm and helps the plant stay upright. The central vacuole can occupy most of the cell’s interior, making it larger than other organelles like mitochondria, the nucleus, or the Golgi apparatus. While mitochondria generate energy, the nucleus stores genetic material, and the Golgi processes and ships molecules, none of these are primarily dedicated to holding large amounts of water.