We have seen that plants are generally green in color. The green color is due to the presence of chlorophyll. So, where is this chlorophyll found in plants? Let us see in this article.
Do plant cells have chloroplasts?
Yes, plant cells do have chloroplast. It is an organelle present within the plant cell. It contains chlorophyll, which is the reason plants tend to appear green in color. So, let us explore more about chloroplasts.
Chloroplasts
Chloroplast is a tiny organelle that stores the chlorophyll of the plant. It is because of the chlorophyll that the plants are green in color. Almost all plants have chloroplasts in their cells.
It is one of several different plastids. Plastids are plant cell organelles that are involved in the storage and synthesis of metabolic materials. It plays an important part in the survival of the plant by enabling it to produce its food.
Structure of Chloroplast
Chloroplasts are ellipsoid-shaped and enclosed in a double membrane. The outer layer of the double membrane is more permeable and allows molecules to pass by it. The inner wall of the membrane consists of several embedded transport proteins.
The chloroplast membrane encloses the stoma. It is a semi-fluid material that contains dissolved enzymes. The stoma generally makes up most of the chloroplast’s volume. It also contains chloroplast DNA, RNA, and special ribosomes.
Function of Chloroplast
The main function of the chloroplast is to capture light and convert it into energy. The energy can be used by the plant to carry out the process of photosynthesis. The chloroplasts do so by using a pigment called chlorophyll. It is this pigment that gives the plant its green color.
They also produce amino acids and lipid components that are necessary for the production of the chloroplast membrane.
Chlorophyll
Green plants are called autotrophs as they can manufacture their food. It is done by the process of photosynthesis. It is made possible by a green pigment called chlorophyll.
The function of chlorophyll is to absorb light. The light is then converted to energy and is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. Glucose is essential for the survival of the plant.
Further, chlorophyll gives the plant a green color because it doesn’t absorb the green wavelengths of white light. Thus, the green wavelength is reflected from the plant, due to which it appears green.
Photosynthesis
It is the process through which the plants manufacture their food. The chloroplasts capture the energy from the sunlight, and it is used to break down the carbon dioxide and water molecules into glucose. The glucose is then further processed by the plant to derive the energy it requires to survive. Photosynthesis is essential for the survival of the plant.
Final Words
Thus, we can see that plants do have chloroplast. It helps the plant trap the energy which it can use to carry out the process of photosynthesis. It allows the plant to produce its food. So, the chloroplast is an important part of the plant cell and helps the plant survive.