Question

In a plant cell, which organelle is primarily responsible for photosynthesis?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Hint:

Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain chlorophyll, which is essential for capturing light energy. The process occurs in two stages: light-dependent reactions in the thylakoid membranes and the Calvin cycle in the stroma.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

In plant cells, photosynthesis takes place primarily in the chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are membrane-bound organelles that contain chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for capturing light energy from the sun. This energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen in the process known as photosynthesis.
The general equation for photosynthesis is:
\[ \text{6CO}_2 + \text{6H}_2\text{O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_12\text{O}_6 + \text{6O}_2 \] The chloroplasts contain thylakoids, which are stacked into structures called grana. The thylakoids house the chlorophyll molecules that capture light energy. The process of light-dependent reactions occurs within the thylakoid membranes, while the Calvin cycle, which produces glucose, occurs in the stroma of the chloroplast.
In contrast, other organelles such as mitochondria are responsible for cellular respiration (energy production), and the nucleus houses genetic material. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis but not in photosynthesis.
Thus, the chloroplast is the organelle responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells.