Proplastids are found in

Options

A. Root cells
B. Storage cells
C. Meristematic cells
D. Cortical cells

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Proplastids:**
- Proplastids are small, colorless organelles found in plant cells. They are considered the precursors to mature plastids, which are essential for various functions such as photosynthesis and storage.

2. **Characteristics of Proplastids:**
- Proplastids are undifferentiated plastids. This means they have not yet developed into specific types of plastids (like chloroplasts, chromoplasts, or leucoplasts).

3. **Maturation of Proplastids:**
- When proplastids mature, they can develop into different types of plastids depending on the needs of the plant cell. This maturation process typically occurs in actively dividing cells.

4. **Identifying the Location of Proplastids:**
- Proplastids are primarily found in meristematic cells. These cells are located in regions of the plant that are actively growing, such as the tips of roots and shoots.

5. **Exclusion of Other Cell Types:**
- Proplastids are not found in:
- **Optional root cells:** These are mature cells and do not contain proplastids.
- **Storage cells:** These cells contain mature plastids for storage functions and not proplastids.
- **Cortical cells:** These are also differentiated cells and do not have proplastids.

6. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, the correct answer is that proplastids are found in **meristematic cells**.

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