FFA Floriculture Practice Test

Which component is primarily responsible for photosynthesis in plants?

1. Xylem

2. Phloem

3. Chloroplasts

4. Roots

The correct answer is: Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts are the primary components responsible for photosynthesis in plants. These organelles contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures sunlight. Through the process of photosynthesis, chloroplasts convert light energy into chemical energy by using carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil to produce glucose and oxygen. This transformation is essential for plant growth and energy storage, and it also contributes oxygen to the atmosphere, which is vital for most living organisms. In contrast, xylem and phloem are part of the plant's vascular system. Xylem's role is to transport water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, while phloem is responsible for distributing the sugars created during photosynthesis throughout the plant. Roots are crucial for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, but they do not play a direct role in photosynthesis. Therefore, the distinct function of chloroplasts in capturing light energy and facilitating the photosynthetic process makes them the correct answer.