In which type of cells would you typically find chloroplasts?

Prepare for the IB Biology Exam. Study with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Master key concepts and excel in your test!

Chloroplasts are organelles that are primarily found in eukaryotic plant cells and some protists. They are essential for the process of photosynthesis, allowing plants to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This organelle contains chlorophyll, the pigment that captures light energy, and is involved in the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.

In contrast, animal cells lack chloroplasts because they do not carry out photosynthesis; instead, they obtain energy through cellular respiration. Bacterial cells typically do not have membrane-bound organelles like chloroplasts; instead, they perform photosynthesis through different mechanisms, such as using chlorophyll found in the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic fungal cells do not contain chloroplasts either, as fungi also do not perform photosynthesis and derive their nutrition by decomposing organic material. Therefore, the presence of chloroplasts is a defining characteristic of eukaryotic plant cells, making this choice the correct one.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy