With reference to Plastids, consider the following statements: 1. They are present only in plant cells. 2. Chromoplasts are colourless plastids, while leucoplasts contain chlorophyll. 3. Unlike mitochondria, plastids lack their own DNA and ribosomes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (a). Explanation Plastids are double-membrane bound organelles found in the cells of plants and euglenoids. They are responsible for manufacturing and storing food. Based on the type of pigments they contain, plastids are classified into chloroplasts, chromoplasts, and leucoplasts. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Plastids are a defining characteristic of plant cells and are absent in animal cells. While they are also found in Euglenoids (a group of protists), in the context of general cellular distinction between plants and animals, they are considered unique to plant cells. Since statements 2 and 3 are factually incorrect, this statement is accepted as the correct answer by elimination. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The classification of plastids based on color is as follows: - Leucoplasts: These are colourless plastids of varied shapes and sizes with stored nutrients (e.g., Amyloplasts store carbohydrates). - Chromoplasts: These contain fat-soluble carotenoid pigments like carotene and xanthophylls, giving parts of the plant a yellow, orange, or red colour. - Chloroplasts: These contain chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments responsible for trapping light energy for photosynthesis. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Like mitochondria, plastids are semi-autonomous organelles. They possess their own double-stranded circular DNA and ribosomes (70S type). This allows them to synthesize some of their own proteins, unlike other organelles that rely entirely on nuclear DNA. Key Takeaway Plastids are semi-autonomous organelles (containing DNA and ribosomes) found in plants and euglenoids. They are classified into Chloroplasts (photosynthesis), Chromoplasts (colored pigments), and Leucoplasts (colorless storage).

NCERT Class 9 Science — Chapter 1: The fundamental unit of life

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With reference to Plastids, consider the following statements:

They are present only in plant cells.
Chromoplasts are colourless plastids, while leucoplasts contain chlorophyll.
Unlike mitochondria, plastids lack their own DNA and ribosomes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Plastids are double-membrane bound organelles found in the cells of plants and euglenoids. They are responsible for manufacturing and storing food. Based on the type of pigments they contain, plastids are classified into chloroplasts, chromoplasts, and leucoplasts.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Plastids are a defining characteristic of plant cells and are absent in animal cells. While they are also found in Euglenoids (a group of protists), in the context of general cellular distinction between plants and animals, they are considered unique to plant cells. Since statements 2 and 3 are factually incorrect, this statement is accepted as the correct answer by elimination.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The classification of plastids based on color is as follows:
- Leucoplasts: These are colourless plastids of varied shapes and sizes with stored nutrients (e.g., Amyloplasts store carbohydrates).
- Chromoplasts: These contain fat-soluble carotenoid pigments like carotene and xanthophylls, giving parts of the plant a yellow, orange, or red colour.
- Chloroplasts: These contain chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments responsible for trapping light energy for photosynthesis.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Like mitochondria, plastids are semi-autonomous organelles. They possess their own double-stranded circular DNA and ribosomes (70S type). This allows them to synthesize some of their own proteins, unlike other organelles that rely entirely on nuclear DNA.

Key Takeaway

Plastids are semi-autonomous organelles (containing DNA and ribosomes) found in plants and euglenoids. They are classified into Chloroplasts (photosynthesis), Chromoplasts (colored pigments), and Leucoplasts (colorless storage).

Your note

More from Chapter 1: The fundamental unit of life

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

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Consider the following statements about Vacuoles: 1. They are small-sized in animal cells while plant cells have very large vacuoles. 2. In Amoeba, the food vacuole is absent. 3. They can play a role in expelling excess water from the cell. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to osmosis, consider the following statements: 1. Osmosis is the net diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane. 2. If a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, it is likely to shrink. 3. Water molecules pass across the membrane in only one direction during osmosis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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A plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. Which of the following phenomena is most likely to occur?

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Consider the following statements regarding the cell wall: 1. It is present in plants, fungi, and bacteria. 2. It is mainly composed of lipids which provide structural strength. 3. It enables cells to withstand very dilute external media without bursting. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Plastids are a defining characteristic of plant cells and are absent in animal cells. While they are also found in Euglenoids (a group of protists), in the context of general cellular distinction between plants and animals, they are considered unique to plant cells. Since statements 2 and 3 are factually incorrect, this statement is accepted as the correct answer by elimination.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The classification of plastids based on color is as follows:
- Leucoplasts: These are colourless plastids of varied shapes and sizes with stored nutrients (e.g., Amyloplasts store carbohydrates).
- Chromoplasts: These contain fat-soluble carotenoid pigments like carotene and xanthophylls, giving parts of the plant a yellow, orange, or red colour.
- Chloroplasts: These contain chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments responsible for trapping light energy for photosynthesis.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Like mitochondria, plastids are semi-autonomous organelles. They possess their own double-stranded circular DNA and ribosomes (70S type). This allows them to synthesize some of their own proteins, unlike other organelles that rely entirely on nuclear DNA.