Leucoplasts are the type of plastid that lacks color.
Leucoplasts are organelles found in plant cells and algae. Unlike chloroplasts (which are green due to chlorophyll) and chromoplasts (which contain various pigments), leucoplasts are non-pigmented. Their primary function revolves around storage, including:
- Storage of starch: Some leucoplasts, called amyloplasts, specialize in storing starch.
- Storage of lipids: Elaioplasts are dedicated to storing oils and fats.
- Storage of proteins: Proteinoplasts store and modify proteins.
Because leucoplasts are involved in storage, they are commonly found in non-photosynthetic tissues of plants, such as roots, seeds, and tubers. They are essential for providing the plant with the necessary building blocks and energy reserves.
