Contractile vacuole

Protist Paramecium aurelia with contractile vacuoles

A contractile vacuole ('CV') is found in many cells. It pumps water in and out of the cell through osmoregulation. In this way regulates osmotic pressure.

Contractile Vacuole Media

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  A Dictyostelium discoideum (slime mold) cell exhibiting a prominent contractile vacuole on its left side