Leukoplasts (Gr. Leukos - White, Plassein - Form)

Leukoplasts (from the Greek “leukos” - white and “plassein” - to form) are colorless plastids that serve as a place for the accumulation of reserve substances in the cytoplasm of some plant cells. They are formed as a result of differentiation of the cytoplasm and can have different structures depending on the type of cells in which they are located.

Leucoplasts are one of the three main types of plastids, along with chloroplasts and chromoplasts. Unlike chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll and are involved in photosynthesis, or chromoplasts, which contain pigments and are responsible for the color of plant tissues, leucoplasts do not have pigments and do not participate in the process of photosynthesis.

Leukoplasts perform important functions in the life cycle of plants. They are a storage site for storage substances such as starch, proteins and lipids. In addition, leukoplasts can participate in the synthesis of fatty acids, amino acids and other substances necessary for the growth and development of plant cells.

Like other types of plastids, leucoplasts can be disrupted by various stress conditions, such as changes in temperature, light, or the presence of pests. In such cases, plants can change the structure and function of leucoplasts to adapt to new conditions.

In conclusion, leucoplasts are important structures in the plant life cycle, responsible for the accumulation and synthesis of storage substances. Their structure and functions can change depending on environmental conditions, which allows plants to adapt to new conditions and survive in different climatic zones.