Chloroplast
noun · Biology
Definition
An organelle in plant and algal cells that contains chlorophyll and carries out photosynthesis.
Explanation
Not all plant cells have chloroplasts. For example, root cells do not.
Example
Leaf cells contain many chloroplasts.
Common confusion
Chloroplasts make glucose; mitochondria release energy from it.
Related terms
- ChlorophyllThe green pigment in plants that absorbs light for photosynthesis.
- MitochondrionAn organelle where aerobic respiration releases energy for the cell.
- CellThe basic unit of structure and function in living organisms.
Study guides that use this term
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