In most terrestrial plants, in which part of the plant does photosynthesis generally occur?

• A. Leaves (especially the mesophyll cells)
• B. Roots (root cortex cells)
• C. Xylem vessels in stems
• D. Epidermal cells of the leaf cuticle

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, primarily occurring in cells containing chloroplasts.
2. Recall that chloroplasts are abundant in the mesophyll cells of leaves, which are specialized for capturing light and carrying out photosynthesis.
3. Recognize that roots generally do not perform photosynthesis because they lack chloroplasts and are underground, away from light.
4. Know that xylem vessels in stems are involved in water transport, not photosynthesis, and epidermal cells of the leaf cuticle serve as protective layers without chloroplasts.
5. Conclude that the part of the plant where photosynthesis generally occurs is the leaves, specifically in the mesophyll cells.