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).