Which of the following is responsible for the conversion of stored fats into sugars in plant cell?

Correct option is A

Correct Answer is (A) Glyoxysome

Glyoxysomes are specialized peroxisomes found in plant cells and some fungi that play a crucial role in the conversion of stored fats into sugars. This process occurs during seed germination, where stored lipids in oil-rich seeds like castor and sunflower are broken down to provide energy for the growing seedling. The glyoxylate cycle inside glyoxysomes helps convert fatty acids into carbohydrates via intermediates like succinate and malate, which then enter the gluconeogenesis pathway to produce sugars.

• Glyoxysomes contain enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle, a modified Krebs cycle that bypasses carbon loss as CO₂.
• The conversion of fats into sugars is essential for non-photosynthetic tissues like germinating seeds.
• The glyoxylate cycle involves key enzymes such as isocitrate lyase and malate synthase.
• Glyoxysomes are mainly found in oil-storing seeds such as castor bean (Ricinus communis).
• As the seedling matures and begins photosynthesis, glyoxysomes disappear, and chloroplasts take over energy production.
• The process of fat-to-sugar conversion helps seeds survive in the absence of external nutrients.

• Golgi Body : Involved in protein modification, packaging, and transport, not fat metabolism.
• Ribosome : Responsible for protein synthesis, not fat-to-sugar conversion.
• Oxysome : A component of mitochondria involved in ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation, not lipid metabolism.