Explain the structure of chloroplast with a neat labelled sketch.
- In green plants there are special membrane bound organelles called chloroplasts.
- Chloroplasts occur mainly in the mesophyll cells of leaves.
- Typical chloroplasts are disc shaped and consist of three membranes.
- The third layer that forms stacked sac-like structures is called grana.
It is the site for trapping of solar energy. - In the chloroplast there is fluid filled portion called stroma, responsible for enzymatic reactions leading to the synthesis of glucose, which in turn join together to form starch.
- These chloroplasts are green in colour because of a pigment called chlorophyll.
- The chlorophyll and other pigments of the chloroplasts are fat soluble and are located in the liquid part of the thylakoid membrane.
