OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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Prepare for the OCR GCSE Biology Exam with detailed quizzes, flashcards, and explanations. Enhance your understanding of biology concepts and get exam-ready today!

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Which organelle is responsible for carrying out photosynthesis in plant cells?

Mitochondria
Ribosomes
Chloroplasts
Nucleus

The correct answer is: Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts are the organelles responsible for carrying out photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures sunlight, which is essential for the process. During photosynthesis, chloroplasts convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process also produces oxygen as a byproduct, which is released into the atmosphere. In contrast, mitochondria are involved in cellular respiration, providing energy to the cell from glucose; ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, assembling amino acids into proteins; and the nucleus serves as the control center of the cell, housing the genetic material and regulating activities such as growth and reproduction. Thus, chloroplasts are uniquely specialized for photosynthesis, making them critical for the energy acquisition and oxygen production in plant life.