# Chloroplast

A green part of plant cells that contains chlorophyll and carries out photosynthesis.

Biology (school) · Part 01: Cells · Card 8 of 12 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

A solar panel that turns sunlight into food.

## In practice

Leaf cells have many chloroplasts. Root cells have none because they sit in the dark.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **Which three parts do plant cells have that animal cells do not?** A cell wall, chloroplasts and a permanent vacuole.

### Interview questions

**Describe three differences between an animal cell and a plant cell.**

- Plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose
- Plant cells have chloroplasts for photosynthesis
- Plant cells have a permanent vacuole
- Animal cells have none of these

## Questions people ask

### Why are chloroplasts green?

They contain a green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light from the Sun and reflects green light, which is why leaves look green to us. The absorbed light energy is used to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose during photosynthesis.

### Why do root cells not have chloroplasts?

Roots grow underground where there is no light, so photosynthesis cannot happen there. A cell with chloroplasts would waste resources. Root cells instead get their sugars from the leaves. Cells differ in structure because each type is specialised for its own job.

## Related concepts

- [Cell wall](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-1/biology-school-part-1-concept-7)
- [Vacuole](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/biology-school/biology-school-part-1/biology-school-part-1-concept-9)

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