Question

Are chloroplasts eukaryotic or prokaryotic?

Answer 1

Hint: A prokaryotic cell is a cell that lacks membrane-bound organelles and a proper nucleus whereas a eukaryotic cell has membrane-bound organelles with the presence of nucleus and a nucleolus. Prokaryotic cells are usually unicellular whereas eukaryotic cells are multicellular.

Complete answer:
Unicellular organisms are capable of self-sustaining existence and performing the important functions of life. A cell is therefore termed as the fundamental structural and functional unit of all living organisms. Robert Hooke studied and discovered the cell from a thin slice of cork but that was the 'dead cell'. Anton Van Leeuwenhoek was the primary one that observed few living cells capable of moving. Robert Brown discovered the nucleus of a cell.
A cell can be classified into Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells.
The prokaryotic cells are represented by bacteria, cyanobacteria, Mycoplasma and PPLO. They are generally tiny in size and multiply much faster than the eukaryotic cells. The cell envelope consists of a tightly bound three-layered structure i.e., the outermost glycocalyx followed by the cell wall and the plasma membrane. Ribosomes are made up of two subunits- 50S and 30 S units which when present together form 70S prokaryotic ribosomes. Membrane bound organelles are not present in prokaryotic cells.
The eukaryotic cells are those cells which possess an organised nucleus with a nuclear envelope. Membrane bound organelles like Golgi bodies, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and plastids are present. Ribosomes in eukaryotic cells are of 80 S types.
Chloroplasts are greenish plastids which possess photosynthetic pigments, chlorophylls and carotenoids and take part in the synthesis of food in plants. Chloroplasts are present in mesophyll cells of the leaves. Just like mitochondria, chloroplasts are also double membrane-bound organelle. Both of these organelles are self replicating organelles. These are thus called Semi-autonomous organelles. They also have their own nucleic acids and ribosomes.

Note:
Plastids, depending upon their color and the pigments they contain, these are of three main types:
Leucoplasts- They are colorless plastids which generally occur near the nucleus.
Chromoplasts- These plastids are yellow, orange or reddish in color because of the presence of carotenoids.
Chloroplasts- These plastids are green in color because of the presence of chlorophyll.