Plastids are double-membrane organelles found in both plant and algal cells. Food production and preservation are managed by plastids. These often contain photosynthetic pigments as well as other pigments that can change the colour of the cell. Plastids are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, each with its own set of functions. A couple of them are primarily classed based on the presence or lack of biological pigments, as well as their developmental stages.
Chloroplasts
Chromoplasts
Gerontoplasts
Leucoplasts
Chloroplasts are a biconvex-shaped, semi-porous, double-membraned cell organelle found in the plant cell’s mesophyll. They are the locations where food is synthesised through the photosynthesis process.
Chromoplasts are the name given to a place in the plant where all of the pigments are stored and manufactured. These are most commonly found in blossoming plants, wilting leaves, and ripening fruits. Chloroplasts become chromoplasts when they are converted. Carotenoid pigments in chromosomes allow for the many colours seen in leaves and fruits. The primary purpose of the distinctive colour is to attract pollinators.
These are essentially chloroplasts that develop as a result of the ageing process. Geronoplasts are leaf chloroplasts that assist in the conversion of different organelles when the leaf is no longer employing photosynthesis, which occurs in the autumn months.
These are the colourless organelles that are not coloured. Leucoplasts are found in most of the plant’s non-photosynthetic sections, such as the roots. Depending on the needs of the plants, they serve as storage sheds for carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. The majority of the time, they are employed to convert amino acids and fatty acids.
There are three types of leucoplasts:
Amyloplasts are the most numerous of the three, and they store and synthesise starch.
Proteinoplasts – Proteinoplasts are found in seeds and help to store the proteins that a plant requires.
Elaioplasts – Elaioplasts aid in the storage of fats and oils required by the plant.
Final Answer:
Plastids are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
Chloroplasts are photosynthesis-related green plastids that contain chlorophyll pigments.
Chromoplasts: Chromoplasts are coloured plastids that synthesise and store pigments.
Carotene, a pigment found in them, is responsible for the colour of fruits and flowers.
Gerontoplasts: These are chloroplasts that are in the process of ageing.
These can be found in leaves that have stopped photosynthesis (such as in the fall months).
Leucoplasts are colourless plastids that synthesise monoterpenes in non-photosynthetic sections of plants.
They are divided into three categories:
Amyloplasts, which store starch;
Proteinoplasts, on the other hand, store proteins.
Elaioplasts- lipids and oils are stored in these cells.