Colour of tomato changes from green to red due to

The correct answer is: chloroplast gets converted to chromoplast.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Understanding Plastids:
Plastids are double-membrane organelles found in plant cells. They exist in various forms, primarily depending on the pigments they contain and their specific functions. The two main types involved in this process are chloroplasts and chromoplasts.

2. Chloroplasts (Green Stage):
Unripe tomatoes appear green because their cells contain chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are rich in the green pigment chlorophyll, which is essential for capturing light energy during photosynthesis.

3. Chromoplasts (Red Stage):
As the tomato ripens, it transitions to a red color. This color change is due to the presence of chromoplasts. Chromoplasts are plastids responsible for pigment synthesis and storage, accumulating carotenoid pigments such as lycopene (which gives the tomato its characteristic red color).

4. The Transformation Process:
During the ripening process, a cellular transformation occurs where the existing green chloroplasts are directly converted into red chromoplasts. During this transition, the chlorophyll molecules degrade, and carotenoids (specifically lycopene) are synthesized and accumulated within the same plastid structure. Therefore, the color change is not due to the destruction of old organelles and formation of new ones, but rather a direct conversion of chloroplasts into chromoplasts.