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# Chloroplasts and Photosynthesis **Where does photosynthesis take place?** Photosynthesis takes place inside the leaf cells in organelles called **chloroplasts**. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a green pigment that captures light energy for photosynthesis. Stomata are microscopic pores on th...

# Chloroplasts and Photosynthesis **Where does photosynthesis take place?** Photosynthesis takes place inside the leaf cells in organelles called **chloroplasts**. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a green pigment that captures light energy for photosynthesis. Stomata are microscopic pores on the underside of the leaf, where carbon dioxide enters for photosynthesis and oxygen exits. Guard cells control the opening and closing of the stomata. **Structure of a Chloroplast** Chloroplasts are surrounded by two membranes: 1. Outer membrane 2. Inner membrane Inside the chloroplast is a fluid-filled space called the stroma. Within the stroma are flattened sacs called **thylakoids**. A stack of thylakoids is called a **granum**. **Diagram Labeling** Using numbers in the diagram: 1. Outer Membrane 2. Inner Membrane 3. Stroma 4. Thylakoid 5. Granum **Function of Chlorophyll** Chlorophyll absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll reflects green light, which is why leaves appear green. It absorbs other colors of light. This absorbed energy powers the process of photosynthesis.