What part of the leaf cell contains chlorophyll and carries out photosynthesis?

The part of the leaf cell that contains chlorophyll and carries out photosynthesis is the chloroplast. Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found primarily in the cells of green plants and algae. They contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that absorbs light energy, primarily from the sun. This light energy is used during photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, providing energy for the plant and contributing to the ecosystem.

Chloroplasts have a complex internal structure, including thylakoids stacked into granules where the light-dependent reactions occur, and the stroma, where the Calvin cycle operates. This unique arrangement allows for the efficient capture of light energy and the production of food for the plant.

In contrast, mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for cellular respiration and energy production, but they do not contain chlorophyll or perform photosynthesis. The nucleus serves as the control center for the cell, housing genetic material and regulating cellular activities but is not involved in photosynthesis. The cell membrane functions as a protective barrier, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell but does not play a direct role in the photosynthetic process.