Name The Cell Organelle Which Is :composed Of Cellulose Formed Of An Irregular Network Of Tubular Double Membranesa Clear Space With Water Or Other Substances In A Solution Visible Only In Cell Division Stages​

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Introduction to Cell Organelles

Cell organelles are specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions necessary for the cell's survival and operation. These organelles are often membrane-bound and can be found in various shapes and sizes. In this article, we will focus on a unique cell organelle composed of cellulose, formed of an irregular network of tubular double membranes, and a clear space with water or other substances in a solution visible only in cell division stages.

The Cell Organelle: Plastids

The cell organelle we are discussing is called plastids. Plastids are organelles found in plant cells and some algae, responsible for photosynthesis and pigment synthesis. They are composed of cellulose, a complex carbohydrate that provides structural support and protection to the cell. Plastids are formed of an irregular network of tubular double membranes, which allows for the exchange of materials and energy between the plastid and the rest of the cell.

Structure of Plastids

Plastids have a unique structure that allows them to perform their functions. They are composed of two main parts: the stroma and the thylakoids. The stroma is the fluid-filled region between the thylakoids, where photosynthesis takes place. The thylakoids are the membranous structures that contain the pigments necessary for photosynthesis. Plastids also have a clear space with water or other substances in a solution visible only in cell division stages, which is known as the plastidial matrix.

Functions of Plastids

Plastids perform several functions in the cell, including:

  • Photosynthesis: Plastids are responsible for photosynthesis, the process of converting light energy into chemical energy.
  • Pigment Synthesis: Plastids synthesize pigments such as chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis.
  • Storage: Plastids can store starch, proteins, and other substances necessary for the cell's survival.
  • Defense: Plastids can produce defense compounds to protect the cell from pathogens and other stressors.

Types of Plastids

There are several types of plastids, each with unique functions and structures. Some of the most common types of plastids include:

  • Chloroplasts: Chloroplasts are the most common type of plastid and are responsible for photosynthesis.
  • Chromoplasts: Chromoplasts are responsible for pigment synthesis and are found in fruits and flowers.
  • Amyloplasts: Amyloplasts are responsible for starch synthesis and are found in plant roots and stems.
  • Etioplasts: Etioplasts are immature chloroplasts that are found in seedlings and are responsible for photosynthesis.

Cell Division and Plastids

Plastids play a crucial role in cell division, as they are responsible for the synthesis of new plastids in the daughter cells. During cell division, the plastidial matrix is visible as a clear space with water or other substances in a solution. This is because the plastidial matrix is responsible for the synthesis of new plastids and is visible only during cell division stages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, plastids are unique cell organelles composed of cellulose, formed of an irregular network of tubular double membranes, and a clear space with water or other substances in a solution visible only in cell division stages. They are responsible for photosynthesis, pigment synthesis, storage, and defense in the cell. Plastids come in several types, each with unique functions and structures. They play a crucial role in cell division, as they are responsible for the synthesis of new plastids in the daughter cells.

Key Takeaways

  • Plastids are unique cell organelles composed of cellulose, formed of an irregular network of tubular double membranes, and a clear space with water or other substances in a solution visible only in cell division stages.
  • Plastids are responsible for photosynthesis, pigment synthesis, storage, and defense in the cell.
  • Plastids come in several types, each with unique functions and structures.
  • Plastids play a crucial role in cell division, as they are responsible for the synthesis of new plastids in the daughter cells.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the function of plastids in the cell?
    • Plastids are responsible for photosynthesis, pigment synthesis, storage, and defense in the cell.
  • What are the different types of plastids?
    • Chloroplasts, chromoplasts, amyloplasts, and etioplasts are the different types of plastids.
  • What is the role of plastids in cell division?
    • Plastids are responsible for the synthesis of new plastids in the daughter cells during cell division.

References

  • Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., & Walter, P. (2002). Molecular Biology of the Cell. 5th edition. New York: Garland Science.
  • Lodish, H., Berk, A., Matsudaira, P., Kaiser, C. A., Krieger, M., Scott, M. P., & Darnell, J. (2004). Molecular Cell Biology. 6th edition. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.
  • Raven, P. H., Evert, R. F., & Eichhorn, S. E. (2005). Biology of Plants. 7th edition. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.

Q1: What is the function of plastids in the cell?

A1: Plastids are responsible for photosynthesis, pigment synthesis, storage, and defense in the cell. They are unique organelles that play a crucial role in the survival and operation of plant cells and some algae.

Q2: What are the different types of plastids?

A2: There are several types of plastids, each with unique functions and structures. Some of the most common types of plastids include:

  • Chloroplasts: Chloroplasts are the most common type of plastid and are responsible for photosynthesis.
  • Chromoplasts: Chromoplasts are responsible for pigment synthesis and are found in fruits and flowers.
  • Amyloplasts: Amyloplasts are responsible for starch synthesis and are found in plant roots and stems.
  • Etioplasts: Etioplasts are immature chloroplasts that are found in seedlings and are responsible for photosynthesis.

Q3: What is the role of plastids in cell division?

A3: Plastids play a crucial role in cell division, as they are responsible for the synthesis of new plastids in the daughter cells. During cell division, the plastidial matrix is visible as a clear space with water or other substances in a solution.

Q4: How do plastids synthesize new plastids?

A4: Plastids synthesize new plastids through a process called plastid division. During this process, the plastidial matrix is divided into two equal parts, each of which will become a new plastid in the daughter cell.

Q5: What is the importance of plastids in plant cells?

A5: Plastids are essential for the survival and operation of plant cells. They are responsible for photosynthesis, pigment synthesis, storage, and defense in the cell. Without plastids, plant cells would not be able to perform these essential functions.

Q6: Can plastids be found in animal cells?

A6: No, plastids are not found in animal cells. Plastids are unique organelles that are found in plant cells and some algae. Animal cells do not have plastids, but they do have other organelles that perform similar functions.

Q7: How do plastids respond to stress?

A7: Plastids can respond to stress by producing defense compounds to protect the cell from pathogens and other stressors. They can also synthesize pigments to protect the cell from excessive light energy.

Q8: Can plastids be used as a source of energy?

A8: Yes, plastids can be used as a source of energy. They are responsible for photosynthesis, which converts light energy into chemical energy. This energy can be used by the cell to perform various functions.

Q9: How do plastids interact with other organelles in the cell?

A9: Plastids interact with other organelles in the cell through a process called interorganelle communication. This process allows plastids to communicate with other organelles and coordinate their functions to ensure the survival and operation of the cell.

Q10: Can plastids be used as a tool for biotechnology?

A10: Yes, plastids can be used as a tool for biotechnology. They can be engineered to produce specific compounds or proteins, which can be used to develop new products or treatments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, plastids are unique organelles that play a crucial role in the survival and operation of plant cells and some algae. They are responsible for photosynthesis, pigment synthesis, storage, and defense in the cell. Plastids come in several types, each with unique functions and structures. They play a crucial role in cell division, as they are responsible for the synthesis of new plastids in the daughter cells.