What function do chloroplasts perform? A) They use light energy to make food for the plant. B) They control the activities in the cell. C) They produce proteins for the cell. D) They provide temporary storage for the plant’s water.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: A) They use light energy to make food for the plant.
Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in plant cells and some algae. Their primary function is to carry out photosynthesis, a process that converts light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in glucose, a type of sugar that serves as food for the plant. Chloroplasts contain a green pigment called chlorophyll, which captures light energy. This light energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose and oxygen.
Photosynthesis takes place in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (also known as the Calvin cycle). During the light-dependent reactions, chlorophyll absorbs light energy and uses it to split water molecules, releasing oxygen and producing energy-rich molecules such as ATP and NADPH. In the light-independent reactions, the energy from ATP and NADPH is used to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.
By producing glucose, chloroplasts provide essential energy and organic compounds that support the plant’s growth and development. This glucose can be used immediately by the plant for energy or stored as starch for later use. Additionally, the oxygen produced during photosynthesis is released into the atmosphere, which is crucial for maintaining oxygen levels for other living organisms.
The other options describe functions not related to chloroplasts. The cell’s activities are controlled by the nucleus, proteins are produced by ribosomes, and water storage typically occurs in vacuoles. Therefore, chloroplasts are essential for capturing light energy to synthesize food, making them vital for the survival of plants and indirectly supporting life on Earth through oxygen production.