PLASTS: What are, types and function

The plastics, also known as plastids, are organelles found in plant and algae cellsand perform crucial functions in plant life. All plastics begin as proplastic, which differ in various types according to the metabolic needs of the plant. The plastids are essential for vital processes Like photosynthesis, in which chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll, convert sunlight into chemical energy. In addition, chromoplasts, which have other plant pigments, are responsible for providing color to different parts of the plant, while leukoplasts are mainly dedicated to food storage.

The structure of the plastids includes two membranes separated by an intermembrane space and internal compartments, such as tilacoids in chloroplasts. These organelles contain circular DNA and molecular machinery for their replication and division, which allows them to grow independently under the control of nuclear genes. The plastids They emerged through an endosimbiosis processwhere a photosynthetic bacterium was engulfed by a eukaryotic cell, becoming an endosimbiont.

Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts are the best known plasties, responsible for photosynthesis. They contain chlorophyll, which gives them their green color, and are mainly located in the mesophilic of the leaves. Its shape can be discoid, oval or spherical and are surrounded by a double membrane. Inside, the stroma houses grana, which are tilacoid stacking where photosynthesis is carried out. Chloroplasts are fundamental for the capture of solar energy and the conversion of CO₂ and water into glucose.

Chromoplast

Chromoplasts, on the other hand, are highly pigmented plastids that lack chlorophyll and are involved in the Pigment synthesis and storagelike carotenoids, which give vibrant colors to flowers and fruits. These plastids are metabolically active and are found in parts of the plant that attract pollinators, such as flowers and fruits. Chromoplasts can present different morphologies, including globular, membranous and tubular chromoplasts, each adapted to store carotenoids in different ways.

Gerontoplasts

As the leaves age and stop performing photosynthesis, chloroplasts are transformed into gerontoplasts. These aged plastids regulate the dismantling of photosynthetic components And they are crucial for nutrient recycling, such as nitrogen, which is vital for plant survival. The gerontoplasts have significant structural changes, such as the degradation of starch and chlorophyll granules, and an increase in the size of lipid storage structures.

Leukoplast

Leukoplastos are non -pigmented plastids that specialize in the storage storage, lipids and proteins. They are classified as amyloplast (storage storage), Elaioplasts (lipid storage) and proteinplast (protein storage). These organelles are found in non -photosynthetic tissues, such as roots and tubers, and are essential for nutrient storage and important metabolites synthesis.

• They perform photosynthesis: Chloroplasts capture sunlight and turn it into chemical energy in glucose, which is essential for the life of the plant.
• Store nutrients: Leukoplasts are responsible for storage of important compounds, such as starch and lipids, which serve as energy reserves for periods of growth.
• Produce and store pigments: Chromoplasts synthesize and store pigments that give color to various parts of the plant, such as flowers and fruits, helping in pollinators attraction.
• Essential compounds synthesize: The plastids actively participate in the production of amino acids, fatty acids and hormones, which are crucial for the development and function of the plant.
• Facilitate the defense of plants: Plastidia help generate secondary metabolites that protect plants against environmental stressors, such as pathogens and adverse conditions.
• Facilitate intercellular communication: They produce signaling molecules that influence processes such as growth, development and response to external stimuli.
• They have their own DNA and ribosomes: which allows them to replicate and be used in phylogenetic studies to understand the evolution of plants. You may be interested in this article about ribosomes: function and structure.
• Its functional diversity shows that they are fundamental for cellular functioning: ensuring survival and optimal development of plants in different ecosystems.

If you want to read more articles similar to PLASTS: What are, types and functionwe recommend that you enter our biology category.