Is there a species specific or region-specific type of plastids? How does one distinguish one from the other?


Plastids are species specific or region specific. They bear some specific pigments, thus imparting specific colours to the plants.


Based on the type of pigments plastids can be classified into chloroplasts, chromoplasts and leucoplasts.


• The chloroplasts impart green color as they contain chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments which are responsible for trapping light energy essential for photosynthesis.


The chromoplasts contain fat soluble carotenoid pigments like carotene, xanthophylls and others are present. This gives the part of the plant a yellow, orange or red colour.


• The leucoplasts are the colourless plastids of varied shapes and sizes with stored nutrients: Amyloplasts store carbohydrates (starch), e.g., potato; elaioplasts store oils and fats whereas the aleuroplasts store proteins.


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