Question

What are the important functions of plastids?

Answer 1

Plastids:

1. Plastids are double-membraned DNA structures. One form of plastid is related to mitochondria.
2. Plastids are the biggest DNA-containing cell organelle in plant cells, and their plasma membrane is double-layered like mitochondria.
3. Plastids are classified into three kinds based on the pigments they contain:

Leucoplasts: The biggest of the plastids

Chromoplast: Chromoplasts are structures that store colored pigments.

Chloroplast: A semi-autonomous organelle found in plant cells.

Functions of plastids:

Leucoplasts:

1. Leucoplasts are used to store starch grains and oil droplets.
2. Such colorless plastids can be found in subterranean roots and stems.

Chromoplasts:

1. Chromoplasts are responsible for the distinctive colors of flowers and fruits.
2. They help to attract insects and numerous vectors for pollination and fruit dissemination.

Chloroplasts:

1. Chloroplasts are mostly used in photosynthesis.
2. They can be found in leaves.