The membrane around the vacuole is known as the **tonoplast**.
The tonoplast is a special membrane that surrounds the vacuole, which is a large storage sac found in plant cells. It separates the contents of the vacuole from the rest of the cell.
Think of the tonoplast like a protective bubble around the vacuole. It controls what goes in and out of the vacuole, just like a fence controls who can enter or exit a yard. The tonoplast is made up of proteins and lipids, which are like the building blocks that give it structure and function.
One of the important functions of the tonoplast is to regulate the movement of water and other molecules in and out of the vacuole. It acts like a gatekeeper, allowing certain substances to enter or leave the vacuole while keeping others out. This helps the cell maintain its internal balance and prevents harmful substances from entering.
Additionally, the tonoplast plays a role in maintaining the shape and stability of the vacuole. It helps the vacuole maintain its structure and prevents it from collapsing under pressure.
So, to summarize, the membrane around the vacuole is called the tonoplast, and it serves as a protective barrier, regulates the movement of molecules, and helps maintain the shape of the vacuole.