The organelle responsible for photosynthesis in a plant cell is the chloroplast.
Chloroplasts are specialized structures that contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures light energy from the sun. During photosynthesis, chloroplasts convert light energy, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This process not only provides energy for the plant itself but also contributes to the oxygen supply in the atmosphere, making chloroplasts essential for both plant life and life on Earth as a whole.
Inside the chloroplasts, there are two main stages of photosynthesis: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle). The light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes and require sunlight, while the Calvin cycle takes place in the stroma and does not require light. Together, these processes enable plants to create their own food while releasing oxygen as a byproduct.