Which plastids store starch granules and also convert starch back into sugar?

Which plastids store starch granules and also convert starch back into sugar?

• A. Chloroplasts
• B. Amyloplasts
• C. Leucoplasts
• D. Chromoplasts

Answer: (B)

Amyloplasts specialize in carbohydrate storage and mobilization. These colorless plastids are found in non-photosynthetic tissues such as roots and tubers, where they store starch granules for energy. When sugar is needed, enzymes break down the stored starch back into glucose (and other sugars) that can be used by the cell. This storage-and-mobilization role is what sets amyloplasts apart. Chloroplasts are mainly for photosynthesis and can contain starch briefly, but their primary function isn’t storing and mobilizing starch. Leucoplasts are a broader nonpigmented group that includes amyloplasts, while chromoplasts store pigments. Thus, the plastids that store starch granules and convert starch back into sugar are amyloplasts.

Amyloplasts specialize in carbohydrate storage and mobilization. These colorless plastids are found in non-photosynthetic tissues such as roots and tubers, where they store starch granules for energy. When sugar is needed, enzymes break down the stored starch back into glucose (and other sugars) that can be used by the cell. This storage-and-mobilization role is what sets amyloplasts apart. Chloroplasts are mainly for photosynthesis and can contain starch briefly, but their primary function isn’t storing and mobilizing starch. Leucoplasts are a broader nonpigmented group that includes amyloplasts, while chromoplasts store pigments. Thus, the plastids that store starch granules and convert starch back into sugar are amyloplasts.