What is the primary function of the chloroplast in plant cells?

• A. To capture light energy and perform photosynthesis
• B. To produce energy from glucose
• C. To regulate water loss
• D. To store genetic material

Answer: (A)

Chloroplasts use light energy captured by chlorophyll to power photosynthesis, turning carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This makes them the site where light energy is converted into chemical energy for the plant. The other options point to different roles: energy from glucose is produced by mitochondria during cellular respiration, not by chloroplasts; regulating water loss is done by structures like stomata and the cuticle; storing genetic material is mainly the job of the nucleus (chloroplasts do contain some DNA, but their primary role is photosynthesis).