plastid
Quick Summary
A plastid is a type of organelle found within the cells of plants and algae. Chloroplasts are a specific type of plastid, distinguished by their green color due to the presence of chlorophyll pigments.123
The primary function of chloroplasts is photosynthesis, the process where light energy from the sun is converted into chemical energy for the organism's growth. This process results in the production of oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds. Chloroplasts contain intricate internal membranes called lamellae, which are organized into stacks called grana. These structures house the photosynthetic pigments necessary for capturing light energy.132
Other types of plastids are involved in the synthesis and storage of foodstuffs.2
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protistRespiration and nutritionThus, the plastids of algal protists function like the chloroplasts of plants with respect to photosynthesis, and, when present, the mitochondria function as the site where molecules are broken down to release chemical energy, carbon dioxide, and water. The basic difference between the unicellular protists and the…
Read MoreThus, the plastids of algal protists function like the chloroplasts of plants with respect to photosynthesis, and, when present, the mitochondria function as the site where molecules are broken down to release chemical energy, carbon dioxide, and water. The basic difference between the unicellular protists and the…
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protozoanPhotosynthesis and plastid acquisitionMany coloured (i.e., photosynthetic) protists combine autotrophy with heterotrophy and therefore are mixotrophs. For example, some members of the euglenid and cryptomonad groups are mixotrophs. The mixotrophic members of these groups are commonly called acetate flagellates because their preferred organic carbon sources are…
Read MoreMany coloured (i.e., photosynthetic) protists combine autotrophy with heterotrophy and therefore are mixotrophs. For example, some members of the euglenid and cryptomonad groups are mixotrophs. The mixotrophic members of these groups are commonly called acetate flagellates because their preferred organic carbon sources are…
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