Question 8: Is there a species specific or region specific type of plastids? How does one distinguish one from the other?
Answer:
Yes, Plastids are species specific or region specific. They are found in plant cells and Euglenoids and can be observed easily under microscope as they are large. They bear some specific pigments, thus imparting specific colours to the plants.
According to the types of Pigments plastids are divided into three:
- Chromoplasts
- Chloroplasts
- Leucoplasts.
1. The chromoplasts contain fat-soluble carotenoid pigments like carotene, xanthophylls and others are present. These are commonly found in exposed parts like flowers and fruits. Being coloured, chromoplasts attract animals for pollination and fruit dispersal.
2. The chloroplasts contain chlorophyll which is a green pigment and carotenoid pigments. Because of these pigments chloroplasts impart green colour. Chloroplasts capture light energy from the sun to produce food for the plant by combining the sun's energy with water and carbon dioxide.
3. The Leucoplasts are the colourless plastids of varied shapes and sizes with stored nutrients.
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