What process occurs in chloroplasts?

Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in plant cells and some protists, and their main function is to carry out photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, chloroplasts capture light energy from the sun and use it to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process is essential for the survival of plants because it allows them to produce their own food and release oxygen, which is vital for the respiration of most living organisms.

The structure of chloroplasts includes thylakoids, where the light-dependent reactions occur, and the stroma, where the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) take place. By facilitating the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, chloroplasts play a critical role in the energy flow within ecosystems, as plants are primary producers and serve as a food source for other organisms.

In contrast, the other processes mentioned are carried out in different parts of the cells or in different types of cells entirely. Cell respiration occurs in the mitochondria and is the process by which cells break down glucose to release energy. Protein synthesis occurs in the ribosomes, where amino acids are assembled into proteins based on genetic instructions. Cell division, such as mitosis or meiosis, involves the replication and separation of