Question

What is the function of plastids and vacuoles.

Answer 1

Plastids are double-membrane organelles which are found in the cells of plants and algae. Plastids are responsible for manufacturing and storing of food. The main function of the plastids is photosynthesis.

• Chloroplasts : Chloroplasts are mainly for photosynthesis. They are present in leaves.
• Chromoplasts: Chromoplasts are responsible for the characteristic colour of flower and fruit.
• Leucoplasts : storage of starch grain and oil drops. Such colourless plastids are present in underground roots, stems.

Vacuoles help in the storage and disposal of various substances. They can store food or other nutrients required by a cell to survive. They also store waste products and prevent the entire cell from contamination.
The vacuoles in plant cells are larger than those in the animal cells. The plant vacuoles occupy more than 80% of the volume of the cell. The vacuoles may be one or more in number.