An independent, stable, self-replicating piece of DNA inside a plant cell that is not a part of the normal cell genome (i.e., in nucleus). Because there can exist up to 10,000 plastids in a given plant cell, the insertion of a gene (e.g., via genetic engineering) into plastids can result in a higher yield (of the protein coded for by that gene) than is achieved via insertion of the gene into the cell’s nucleus DNA.
A body in the cytoplasm of some plants and protozoans Chloroplastids produce chlorophyll involved in photosynthesis. Leukoplastids are colorless and are the sites of starch synthesis.
An organelle in plant cells. It includes chloroplasts (which contain chlorophyll), leukoplasts (colorless); chromoplasts (which contain pigment), and amyloplasts (which store starch). Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis.