NEETBotanyCell - The Unit of Life
Chromoplasts impart yellow, orange, or red colours to various parts of the plant such as flowers and fruits. Which of the following accurately describes the nature of the pigments stored in these plastids?
Options
- AWater-soluble anthocyanins
- BWater-soluble carotenoid pigments like carotene
- CFat-soluble carotenoid pigments like carotene and xanthophylls
- DFat-soluble chlorophyll pigments
Correct answer
C. Fat-soluble carotenoid pigments like carotene and xanthophylls
Step-by-step solution
According to NCERT, chromoplasts contain fat-soluble carotenoid pigments like carotene, xanthophylls, and others. These pigments are responsible for imparting yellow, orange, or red colours to plant parts. Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments, but they are found in the vacuole, not in plastids. Chlorophylls are fat-soluble pigments primarily found in chloroplasts, responsible for trapping light energy. Answer: Fat-soluble carotenoid pigments like carotene and xanthophylls