Chloroplast
Chloroplast
Chloroplast (/ˈklɔːrəˌplæst/, from Greek chloros meaning 'green', and plast meaning 'entity') is an organelle found in plant and algae cells. They are the site of photosynthesis, the process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy.
Etymology
The term 'chloroplast' is derived from the Greek words chloros meaning 'green', and plast meaning 'entity'. This is due to the green pigment, chlorophyll, that is present in the chloroplasts.
Function
Chloroplasts are vital for photosynthesis, where they convert light energy, usually from the Sun, into chemical energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose during the Calvin cycle.
Structure
Chloroplasts are large organelles, typically 5–10 micrometres in diameter. They have a double membrane and contain stacks of thylakoids, known as grana, which are the site of photosynthesis. The space within the chloroplast is called the stroma, which contains enzymes necessary for the synthesis of glucose.
Related Terms
- Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the aid of chloroplasts.
- Chlorophyll: The green pigment found in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.
- Grana: The stacks of thylakoids found within the chloroplasts.
- Stroma: The space within the chloroplast where the Calvin cycle takes place.
- Calvin cycle: The set of chemical reactions that take place in chloroplasts during photosynthesis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chloroplast
- Wikipedia's article - Chloroplast
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