Which organelles are responsible for conducting photosynthesis in plant cells?

Chloroplasts are the organelles responsible for conducting photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures light energy from the sun. This light energy is then used in the process of photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The structure of chloroplasts is highly adapted for this function, featuring thylakoid membranes where the light-dependent reactions occur, and stroma, where the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) take place.

In contrast, mitochondria primarily function in cellular respiration, breaking down glucose to produce ATP, which is the energy currency of cells. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptides, and do not play a role in photosynthesis. Lysosomes are responsible for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris, rather than engaging in the process of converting light energy into chemical energy. Thus, chloroplasts are uniquely equipped and specifically designed to perform photosynthesis in plant cells.