Amyloplasts are specialized organelles found in plant cells that are responsible for the storage of starch, a vital energy source. They are a type of plastid, which are organelles involved in the synthesis and storage of various substances. Amyloplasts convert glucose into starch and store it in granules, which can later be broken down into glucose when the plant needs energy. These organelles are typically found in non-photosynthetic tissues, such as roots and tubers, where energy storage is crucial. When plants require energy, enzymes break down the stored starch in amyloplasts, releasing glucose for cellular respiration and growth.