Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts are a type of organelle found in plant cells. They are responsible for the process of photosynthesis, which is the conversion of light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

Structure of Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts have a double membrane structure, with an inner and outer membrane. Inside the chloroplast, there is a fluid-filled space called the stroma, where the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis occur. Within the stroma are thylakoid membranes, which contain chlorophyll, the pigment that captures light energy for photosynthesis.

Function of Chloroplasts

The main function of chloroplasts is to carry out photosynthesis. During this process, light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll in the thylakoid membranes, and this energy is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The glucose is then used as a source of energy for the plant, while the oxygen is released as a byproduct.

Chloroplasts and Energy Production

Chloroplasts play a crucial role in the production of energy for plant cells. Through photosynthesis, they convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in glucose, which is then used by the plant for growth, reproduction, and other metabolic processes.

Study Guide

What is the main function of chloroplasts?
Describe the structure of a chloroplast.
What is the pigment responsible for capturing light energy in chloroplasts?
Explain the process of photosynthesis and the role of chloroplasts in this process.
How does the energy produced by chloroplasts benefit plant cells?

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Second Grade. What is science?

Vocabulary/Answer key

What is science?

The resources above cover the following skills:

LIFE SCIENCE

Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Obtain information from literature and other media to illustrate that there are many different kinds of living things and that they exist in different places on land and in water (e.g., woodland, tundra, desert, rainforest, ocean, river).

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Make observations from media to obtain information about Earth’s events that happen over a short period of time (e.g., tornados, volcanic explosions, earthquakes) or over a time period longer than one can observe (e.g., erosion of rocks, melting of glaciers).

Collect and evaluate data to identify water found on Earth and determine whether it is a solid or a liquid (e.g., glaciers as solid forms of water; oceans, lakes, rivers, streams as liquid forms of water).