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True or False: Many plant species store toxic chemicals in their vacuoles as a defense against being eaten.
publish date: 2026/06/15 21:25:14.404482 UTC
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True or False:
Many plant species store toxic chemicals in their vacuoles, and if an animal eats the plant and ruptures the vacuoles, the contents can have an adverse effect on the animal.
Correct Answer
True
Explanation
True. Many plant species store toxic chemicals in their vacuoles. These chemicals do not harm the plant cell itself because they are safely contained within the vacuole membrane (tonoplast). However, if an animal eats the plant and ruptures the vacuoles, the released toxic contents can have an adverse effect on the animal - a form of chemical defense.
Reference
Biology: A Self-Teaching Guide