Final Answer:
Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy, leading to the synthesis of glucose and oxygen. Thus the correct answer is A) Chloroplast.
Step-by-step explanation:
Photosynthesis, the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, primarily takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells. Chloroplasts are specialized organelles that contain the pigment chlorophyll, which captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy through a series of complex biochemical reactions. These reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast. The overall equation for photosynthesis is 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂, where carbon dioxide and water are transformed into glucose and oxygen in the presence of light.
Mitochondria, on the other hand, are responsible for cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down to release energy for the cell. Ribosomes are cellular structures involved in protein synthesis, and the central vacuole is mainly a storage organelle in plant cells. Therefore, the correct organelle for photosynthesis is the chloroplast.
So, the correct answer is A) Chloroplast.