What organelle is primarily responsible for photosynthesis in plants?

Chloroplasts are the organelles primarily responsible for photosynthesis in plants. They contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures light energy from the sun, which is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen through a series of reactions. This process is vital for plant energy production and is also essential for life on Earth, as it produces oxygen and organic compounds that serve as food for many organisms.

Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell because they generate ATP through respiration, but they do not play a role in photosynthesis. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis and do not participate in the process of converting light energy into chemical energy. The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material and coordinates cell activities, but it does not have a direct role in the photosynthetic process.