Question

Are Chloroplasts Plastids?

Answer 1

Plastids are the double membranous structure found in eukaryotic plants and algal cells. They are the site of photosynthesis. Plastids contain the pigment that is used in the process of making food and also other pigments which are responsible for colouration of the cell.

Complete answer:
The Plastids were categorised by way of Schimper into three classes as given under -
a. Leucoplasts : They are the colourless plastids. They are present in the underground parts of the plants like roots, underground stems, etc. They are associated with the storage of food.
b. Chromoplasts - They are the coloured plastids. These plastids are red, blue in colour. They include pigments like carotenoids, xanthophylls, etc.
c. Chloroplast - They are the organelle which conduct photosynthesis in plants. They convert light electricity into chemical energy. Chloroplasts are green plastids. They comprise chlorophyll and different sorts of pigments. The chlorophyll pigment of the chloroplasts is normally concerned with photosynthesis. Moreover, the chloroplast is a double membranous, semi-autonomous cell organelle.

Therefore, chloroplasts are a type of plastids.

Note: Plastids are associated with the storage of food in the form of starch. It is also associated with the synthesis of various kinds of molecules like terpenes and fatty acid which are essential for building up of the cell. Plastids are present in the pigmented part of the plant like leaves, fleshy fruits, flowers etc.