Classification of plastids is based on their

Options

A. size
B. pigments
C. motility
D. nucleic acid

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Plastids**: Plastids are organelles found in plant cells and some protists. They are involved in the synthesis and storage of food and pigments.

2. **Classification of Plastids**: Plastids can be classified based on their pigments and functions. The main types of plastids include:
- **Chromoplasts**: These are colored plastids that contain pigments such as carotenoids, which give fruits and flowers their red, orange, and yellow colors.
- **Leucoplasts**: These are colorless plastids that do not contain pigments. They are primarily involved in the storage of nutrients.

3. **Types of Chromoplasts**: Chromoplasts can be further classified based on the pigments they contain:
- **Chloroplasts**: Contain green pigments (chlorophyll) and are crucial for photosynthesis.
- **Phycoplasts**: Contain phycobilins, found in certain algae.
- **Chromoplasts**: Contain carotenoids.

4. **Types of Leucoplasts**: Leucoplasts can also be classified based on their storage function:
- **Amyloplasts**: Store starch.
- **Elaioplasts**: Store lipids.
- **Proteinoplasts**: Store proteins.

5. **Conclusion**: The classification of plastids is based on the pigments they contain and their specific functions. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that plastids are classified based on their pigments.

**Final Answer**: The classification of plastids is based on their pigments.

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