Metachromatic granules are

Options

A. Chromatophores in skin
B. Products of insect metamorphosis
C. Inclusion bodies in bacteria
D. Found in metaphase.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Metachromatic Granules:**
- Metachromatic granules are cell inclusion bodies found in prokaryotic cells, particularly in bacteria.

2. **Staining Characteristics:**
- When stained with a blue dye, metachromatic granules appear red in color. This property is significant for their identification under a microscope.

3. **Occurrence:**
- These granules are primarily found in bacteria, but they can also be present in yeast-like fungi and some protozoa.

4. **Composition:**
- Metachromatic granules are composed of complex molecules, including polyphosphate, lipids, and nucleoproteins. This complex composition is crucial for their function.

5. **Function:**
- The main function of metachromatic granules is to serve as an intracellular reserve of phosphate. This means they store phosphate that can be utilized by the cell when needed.

6. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, metachromatic granules are inclusion bodies in bacteria that act as an intracellular phosphate reserve.

**Final Answer:**
Metachromatic granules are cell inclusion bodies in bacteria that serve as an intracellular reserve of phosphate.

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