In a typical diagram of photosynthesis, which organelle is primarily responsible for capturing light energy and converting it into chemical energy?

• A. Nucleus
• B. Ribosome
• C. Mitochondrion
• D. Chloroplast

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by identifying the process described in the problem, which is photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of glucose.
2. Step 2: Recall the organelle responsible for photosynthesis. Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in plant cells and some protists that contain pigments like chlorophyll, which capture light energy.
3. Step 3: Understand the role of chlorophyll within the chloroplast. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, primarily from the blue and red wavelengths, and initiates the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
4. Step 4: Compare the other organelles listed in the problem. The nucleus is responsible for storing genetic information, ribosomes synthesize proteins, and mitochondria are involved in cellular respiration, not photosynthesis.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the chloroplast is the correct answer because it is the organelle specifically adapted to capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy during photosynthesis.