Plastids: Everything You Need to Know and More

Plastids are a diverse group of double-membrane bound organelles found in most plants and algae. Apart from photosynthesis, these organelles also assist in food storage and synthesis of compounds such as lipids, amino acids and carbohydrates.

Plastid Functions

1. Production of enzymes, lipids, Sulphur compounds and amino acids. 2. Nutrient storage. 3. Chloroplasts assist in photosynthesis. 4. Synthesize their own chlorophyll chromatophores. 5. Facilitates self-replication, plant growth and differentiation. 6. Assist in cellular respiration and nutrition.

Structure of Pastids

They are typically small in size, approximately 5-10 microns in diameter and 3 microns in thickness. The shape of plastids can vary between discoid, spherical, dumbbell-shaped or lens-shaped. Plastids are surrounded by a double layered envelope called the stroma.

Types of Pastids

For details on each type of plastid check out the full article.

Plastid Division and Differentiation

For details on plastid division and differentiation see the full post.

Plastid Division and Differentiation: Continued

Chloroplasts and Photosynthesis

Chloroplasts assist autotrophs in transforming chemical energy from the sun into glucose. They derive their name from green colored pigments called chlorophyll which give these organelles their characteristic color.

Discovery of Plastids

These structures were first identified and described by Ernst Haeckel in 1866.

Plastid Evolution

Plastids are thought to have originated in eukaryotes over 1.5 billion years ago through endosymbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria.

Plastids VS Mitochondria

Although mitochondria and plastids share a common evolutionary link through endosymbiosis, there are some distinct differences between the two organelles.