9 Facts on What Does Chloroplast Store & why, where, when, how?

In this article we are focusing on the topic “9 Facts on what does chloroplast store & why, where, when and how” by giving detailed explanations with regard to the title.

Chloroplasts are organelles that are found in the photosynthetic organisms including plants, algae and certain specialized bacteria such as Cyanobacteria, which contain chlorophyll in tightly packed form in their outer membrane.

Role of Chloroplasts

Chloroplast are green in color and contains a very high concentration of two types of chlorophyll, “a” and “b” which is a photosynthetic pigment captures light via a process called “Photosynthesis”. The energy is captured from the sunlight as light energy and is converted into energy molecules ATP and NADPH that are stored inside the cells.  

These energy molecules are used in further processes such as Calvin cycle and to make organic molecules such as fatty acids, amino acids and they provide immune response in plants. Chloroplasts number and size varies from organism to organism, unicellular algae contains a single chloroplast and plants for instance Arabidopsis and wheat.

Chloroplasts Cycle

Chloroplasts are dynamic organelles; they move within the plant cells and multiply by division. Their division is highly controlled by the proteins encoded in the nucleus of host the cells.

Structure of chloroplast

Chloroplasts contains three membranous layers, the outer double membrane layer and an inner membrane which is called thylakoid membrane. There are additional membranes that surrounds these three layers called chloroplast stroma. The outer membrane contains small pores for the diffusion of small molecules and ions.

A thin intermembrane space is present in between outer and inner membranes. A peptidoglycan layer lies between the chloroplast membranes. Inner membrane regulates the passage and synthesis of the materials like, fatty acids, lipids, and carotenoids. Then stroma is present which is a protein rich, fluid filled inner membrane outside the thylakoid space.   

FAQ’s

Do chloroplasts store water?

Yes, chloroplasts do contain water. They use the electrons from water and light energy from the sun to perform photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a two-stage process and Chloroplast has been known to be involved in both types of stages; The light Reaction stage and the Dark reaction stage.

In light reaction stage, the water is oxidized and oxygen is produced. In the dark reaction stage ATP and NADPH energy molecules are used for the fixing of carbon dioxide. Result of these reactions are macromolecules which are necessary for the function and metabolism of the plant cell.

How do Chloroplasts store food and water?

Chloroplasts are green color plastids, also known as the “Kitchen of the cells” because they are the prime producers of plant foods by using the process of photosynthesis. They do store the food and water in less amount and most of it is done by another organelles in plant cells called “the vacuoles”.

When do Chloroplasts store food and water?

Chloroplasts produce sugars and other macromolecules during the process of photosynthesis which are stored as food inside the chloroplasts and is used by the plant cells. The three necessary elements used by the chloroplast to produce sugars (in the form of starch) and Oxygen are, Water, Sunlight and Carbon dioxide.

Water is stored by vacuoles; they are plant organelles that are filed with fluids and different nutrients. They are also called large sized storage bubbles; they differ in size in both plants and animals. Their size is larger in plant cells than in animal cells.

Where do chloroplasts store food and water?

Vacuoles are the fluid containing structures that are found only in plants, they are responsible to store, food, water as well as plant waste to protect other organelles from being contaminated. They are very important to the plant cells and provide turgidity to the cell membrane. They are highly rich in sugar, proteins, amino acids, minerals and several other things.

Why do chloroplasts store water?

Chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis by absorbing sunlight and use it with water ions to make food for the plant which is necessary for the growth of the plants. Storing water in chloroplasts is necessary for maintaining the life of the plants.

Is the chloroplast used for storage?

Chlorophyll containing Chloroplasts are known for their unique ability of storing lipids and fatty acid content in their thylakoid membranes. Lipids plays a vital role in maintaining the structure and functions of chloroplasts. The membrane of chloroplast contains four types of lipids, such as, monogalactosyldiacylgycerol (MGDG), digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) and phosphatidyl-glycerol (PG).

They also store the light energy absorbed by the sun and converts it into chemical energy by photosynthesis. It also contains energy rich molecules like ATP and NADPH.

Is chlorophyll a lipid?

Chlorophyll is not a lipid instead they are lipid-soluble green pigments, which are found in algae, higher plants and certain bacteria. Their main function is to carry out photosynthesis. Chlorophylls has been classified as Chlorins, which are reduced form of porphyrins.

They contain a porphyrin head and a long hydrocarbon tail, which is lipid soluble, magnesium is the central atom of the ring structure.

What Chloroplast does not store?

Chloroplasts does not contain phycobilisomes, and a nucleus.

Summary

This article mainly focuses on the Chloroplast and how and why it is important for the the chloroplast containing cells. It deals with the functioning and various features of the chloroplast that makes it a wonder for the cells and their survival.

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