Plastids represent a largely diverse group of organelles in plant and algal cells
that have several common features but also a broad spectrum of differences in respect
of how they look (color, size, and ultrastructure), and what their specific function
and molecular composition is. Plastids and their structural and metabolic diversity
significantly contribute to the functionality and developmental flexibility of the
plant body throughout its lifetime. In addition, to the multiple roles of given plastid
types, this diversity is accomplished in some cases by interconversions between different
plastids as a consequence of developmental and environmental signals that regulate
plastid differentiation and specialization.
