Explain the functions of
(a) leucoplasts
(b) chromoplasts
(c) chloroplasts.
Answers
1) Leucoplasts are colourless plastids and mainly help in storage of food compounds like starch, proteins and oil drops. Such colourless plastids are present in underground roots, stems.
2) Chromoplasts function in the synthesis and storage of carotenoid pigments in flowers and fruits, and in certain leaves and roots. The colouration of petals by chromoplasts is an evolutionary strategy adopted by some angiosperms to attract pollinators (Waters and Pyke 2005; Egea et al.
3) Chloroplasts are plant cell organelles that convert light energy into relatively stable chemical energy via the photosynthetic process. By doing so, they sustain life on Earth. Chloroplasts also provide diverse metabolic activities for plant cells, including the synthesis of fatty acids, membrane lipids, ...