Which organelle is responsible for storing proteins and carbohydrates?

The vacuole is the organelle responsible for storing proteins and carbohydrates, alongside other substances such as ions and waste products, within the cell. Vacuoles can vary in size and function depending on the type of cell. In plant cells, for example, the central vacuole plays a key role in maintaining turgor pressure, which is essential for supporting plant structure. In addition to storage, vacuoles can also be involved in processes such as waste management and maintaining the cell’s internal environment.

The other organelles listed serve distinct functions. Chloroplasts are primarily involved in photosynthesis and converting light energy into chemical energy in plant cells. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, translating messenger RNA into polypeptide chains but do not store proteins. The nucleus serves as the control center of the cell, housing the genetic material and coordinating activities like growth and reproduction, but it is not involved in the storage functions attributed to vacuoles.