Which organelle is the site of photosynthesis in plant cells?

Which organelle is the site of photosynthesis in plant cells?

• A. Chloroplasts
• B. Mitochondria
• C. Golgi
• D. Lysosomes

Answer: (A)

Photosynthesis in plant cells occurs in chloroplasts, organelles that contain the green pigment chlorophyll. These structures capture light energy and drive the reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The light-dependent reactions happen on the thylakoid membranes, producing ATP and NADPH, which then power the Calvin cycle in the stroma to make sugar. This is different from mitochondria, which generate ATP through respiration, and from Golgi and lysosomes, which handle processing and breakdown of cellular materials rather than photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis in plant cells occurs in chloroplasts, organelles that contain the green pigment chlorophyll. These structures capture light energy and drive the reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The light-dependent reactions happen on the thylakoid membranes, producing ATP and NADPH, which then power the Calvin cycle in the stroma to make sugar. This is different from mitochondria, which generate ATP through respiration, and from Golgi and lysosomes, which handle processing and breakdown of cellular materials rather than photosynthesis.