Chloroplast

Definition

Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells and algae responsible for photosynthesis. They convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chloroplasts contain the pigment chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy.
2. The thylakoid membrane within chloroplasts is where the light-dependent reactions occur.
3. Chloroplasts have their own DNA, indicating a symbiotic origin.
4. The stroma is the fluid-filled space where the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions) takes place.
5. ATP and NADPH produced in the chloroplasts are essential for synthesizing glucose.

Review Questions

• What pigment do chloroplasts contain that is crucial for absorbing light?
• Where within the chloroplast do light-dependent reactions take place?
• What is the significance of chloroplasts having their own DNA?

Related terms

Thylakoid:

A membrane-bound compartment inside chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions occur.

Stroma: The fluid-filled space surrounding thylakoids in the chloroplast where the Calvin cycle occurs.

Chlorophyll:

A green pigment located in thylakoid membranes that captures light energy for photosynthesis.