Which organelle is responsible for the storage of materials like water and salts?

The vacuole is the organelle responsible for the storage of materials such as water, salts, and other substances. In plant cells, vacuoles are particularly prominent and can occupy a large portion of the cell's volume. They play a crucial role in maintaining turgor pressure, which helps support the plant structure and contributes to overall cell rigidity. Additionally, vacuoles can store nutrients and waste products, making them important for cellular homeostasis.

The other organelles mentioned have different primary functions. The nucleus is involved in storing and protecting genetic information and regulating cellular activities. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell, as they are responsible for producing energy through cellular respiration. Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and are responsible for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. Thus, while all these organelles are essential for cellular function, the vacuole is specialized for storage roles.