Question

Pyrenoids are characteristically found in algae. A pyrenoid consists of

• A. Core of starch surrounded by protein
• B. Core of protein surrounded by starch
• C. Core of fatty acids covered by starch
• D. Nucleic acid and protein

Answer 1

The correct option is B Core of protein surrounded by starch

Pyrenoids are sub-cellular micro compartments found in chloroplast of land plants of many algae. Pyrenoids are associated with carbon concentrating mechanism. Their main function is to act as centres of CO${}_2$ fixation by generating and maintaining a CO${}_2$ rich environment around RubisCo. A starch sheath is often formed or deposited at the periphery of pyrenoids, even when that starch is synthesised in the cytosol rather than in the chloroplast. Thus, the correct answer is option B.