One function of the central vacuole in plant cells is facilitating cell growth: the central vacuole absorbs water and increases in size, expanding the volume and size of the plant cell while doing so. animal cells, however, do not grow by this method. what is an essential difference between animal and plant cells that could explain how a plant cell can withstand this expansion of the central vacuole? view available hint(s) one function of the central vacuole in plant cells is facilitating cell growth: the central vacuole absorbs water and increases in size, expanding the volume and size of the plant cell while doing so. animal cells, however, do not grow by this method. what is an essential difference between animal and plant cells that could explain how a plant cell can withstand this expansion of the central vacuole? plant cells grow at a slower rate than animal cells. the plant cell wall provides a more rigid structure. animal cells have a similar organelle that produces the same effect as the central vacuole. plant cells cannot divide.