Where does photosynthesis primarily take place in a plant leaf?

• A. In the chloroplasts of mesophyll cells
• B. In the xylem vessels within the veins
• C. In the vacuoles of guard cells
• D. In the nucleus of epidermal cells

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, primarily producing glucose and oxygen.
2. Recall that photosynthesis occurs in specific organelles within plant cells called chloroplasts, which contain the pigment chlorophyll responsible for capturing light energy.
3. Identify the type of cells in a leaf where chloroplasts are abundant; these are the mesophyll cells, which are located between the upper and lower epidermis of the leaf.
4. Recognize that other structures mentioned, such as xylem vessels, vacuoles of guard cells, and nuclei of epidermal cells, do not contain chloroplasts and thus are not the primary sites of photosynthesis.
5. Conclude that photosynthesis primarily takes place in the chloroplasts of mesophyll cells in the leaf.