What is a chloroplast? Explain how a root of a plant, that lacks Chloroplasts, gets energy. What organelles are involved with converting the energy for the roots? in 1 paragraph
A chloroplast is a cell organelle found in plants and algae, responsible for carrying out photosynthesis. It contains chlorophyll and other pigments that capture sunlight energy and convert it into chemical energy in the form of glucose.
In plants, the roots lack chloroplasts and therefore cannot directly carry out photosynthesis to obtain energy. Instead, they rely on other organelles and processes. The mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell, play a crucial role in converting stored energy into a usable form. The roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil and transport them to cells where they undergo cellular respiration. This process takes place in the mitochondria, where glucose and other organic molecules are broken down, releasing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is then utilized by the root cells for various metabolic processes and to carry out essential functions such as nutrient uptake, cell division, and growth.