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Definition

noun

Chlorophyll-containing plastid found within the cells of plants and other photosynthetic eukaryotes.

Supplement

Within this organelle are disk-shaped structures called thylakoids that function as the site of photosynthesis. It is because embedded in the thylakoid membrane is the antenna complex consisting of proteins, and light-absorbing pigments, including chlorophyll (the green pigment) and carotenoids. The chlorophyll is capable of absorbing light energy for use in photosynthesis. The high amounts of chlorophyll give chloroplast a green color, making it easily recognizable from the other plastids.

Word origin: Greek words chloros which means green and plast which means form or entity.

Synonym: chloroplastid.
Compare: chromoplast, leucoplast.
See also: chlorophyll.