What does plastid mean?
A plastid is a specialized organelle found in plant and algal cells. Its function depends on how it develops: a chloroplast performs photosynthesis, a chromoplast produces colorful pigments, and a leucoplast can store starch, oils, or proteins. Plastids differ from most other organelles because they possess their own DNA and can divide independently within the cell. They are also notable for their inheritance: in many plants, plastid DNA is transmitted through the maternal line, although the details vary among species. The word is chiefly used in botany, cell biology, genetics, and evolutionary studies. It is useful when discussing plant evolution, inherited organelle genomes, the conversion of plastids into different cell structures, and the relationship between green photosynthetic organelles and their non-green relatives.
nounA specialized membrane-bound structure in plant and algal cells that develops into structures such as chloroplasts, chromoplasts, or leucoplasts. Plastids carry their own DNA and are inherited through the cytoplasm.
- A specialized cell structure in plants and algae that may develop into a chloroplast, chromoplast, or leucoplast and typically contains its own DNA.
"The chloroplast is a type of plastid that carries out photosynthesis in plant cells."
"Researchers sequenced the plastid genome to study the ancestry of the plant."
"During development, a plastid may differentiate into a pigment-bearing chromoplast."
The standard plural of plastid.
"The cell contains hundreds of plastids, many of which are developing into chloroplasts."
Not every plastid is green: some become colorful chromoplasts, while others remain colorless leucoplasts.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plastid come from?
The word plastid was formed in the late nineteenth century from a Greek-derived element meaning “formed” or “moulded,” combined with the suffix -id. It was adopted as a general term for a class of plant-cell organelles that can develop into more specialized forms. Chloroplast, chromoplast, and leucoplast are later derivatives naming particular types of plastid.
How plastid is actually used
This is a technical biological term. It is not a general synonym for a cell organelle, since plastids are a specific category of organelle.