What is one key function of the vacuole in plant cells?

The vacuole plays a crucial role in plant cells primarily by storing a variety of substances, including nutrients and waste products. It is a large, membrane-bound organelle that can occupy a significant portion of the cell's interior. This storage function is vital for maintaining homeostasis within the cell, as it helps regulate the concentration of ions and other molecules, and can store excess nutrients that the plant can use when needed.

In addition to storing nutrients, the vacuole's ability to collect waste products helps prevent potential damage to the cell, as these waste materials are isolated from the cytoplasm. Furthermore, by holding water, the vacuole also helps maintain turgor pressure, which is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of plant cells and supporting overall plant health.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of the vacuole. For example, controlling cell division is a function associated with the nucleus, while protein synthesis occurs primarily in the ribosomes and is not a role of the vacuole. Protection against pathogens involves other components of the plant's defense system rather than the vacuoles. Thus, the focus on storage highlights the vacuole's integral role in plant cell function.