Which organelle in a plant cell is primarily responsible for photosynthesis?

• A. Mitochondrion
• B. Nucleus
• C. Golgi apparatus
• D. Chloroplast

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process requires light, water, and carbon dioxide.
2. Identify the organelle responsible for photosynthesis: In plant cells, the organelle that contains the pigment chlorophyll, which captures light energy, is the chloroplast.
3. Learn the structure of the chloroplast: Chloroplasts have a double membrane and contain internal structures called thylakoids, which are stacked into grana. The thylakoid membranes house the chlorophyll and are the site of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
4. Differentiate the chloroplast from other organelles: The mitochondrion is responsible for cellular respiration, the nucleus stores genetic material, and the Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins. None of these are involved in photosynthesis.
5. Conclude that the chloroplast is the correct answer: Based on its role in capturing light energy and facilitating photosynthesis, the chloroplast is the organelle primarily responsible for this process in plant cells.