Which organelle is responsible for photosynthesis?

The organelle responsible for photosynthesis is the chloroplast. Chloroplasts are specialized structures found in plant cells and some algae that contain chlorophyll, the pigment that captures light energy from the sun. During photosynthesis, chloroplasts convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. This process is fundamental for energy production in plants and is the basis for the food chain, as plants are primary producers.

In contrast, mitochondria are primarily involved in cellular respiration, where they break down glucose to release energy. The nucleus contains the genetic material and regulates cell activities, while the cytoplasm is the fluid surrounding organelles where various cellular processes take place. Each of these other components plays a different role in the cell, but none are involved in the process of photosynthesis like chloroplasts are.