Chloroplast Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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chloroplast
[หklษrษหplรฆst ]
Definition
cell biology
Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells and the cells of some algae. They are responsible for photosynthesis, a process that converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures light energy. These organelles are enclosed by a double membrane and contain their own DNA, allowing them to reproduce independently within the cell. Larger plants typically have a higher number of chloroplasts per cell to maximize their ability to capture light energy.
Synonyms
green plastid, photosynthetic organelle.
Examples of usage
- Chloroplasts enable plants to produce their own food.
- Without chloroplasts, plants would not be able to photosynthesize.
- The green color of leaves comes from chloroplasts.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Biology
- These organelles are responsible for photosynthesis, the process where plants create energy from sunlight.
- Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that absorbs sunlight.
- They have their own DNA, which is similar to the DNA of certain bacteria, supporting the endosymbiotic theory.
Environment
- Chloroplasts play a vital role in the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
- Through the photosynthesis process, they help reduce the impact of greenhouse gases.
- The energy produced by chloroplasts supports almost all life on Earth, as it is the foundation of the food chain.
Technology
- Researchers are exploring artificial chloroplasts as a way to create sustainable energy sources.
- These studies could lead to advances in solar energy and biofuels by mimicking natural photosynthesis.
- Genetic engineering in crops is aimed at enhancing chloroplast function for better yield and disease resistance.
Art and Culture
- The vibrant green color associated with chloroplasts has been an inspiration in art, symbolizing life and growth.
- In literature, plants and their photosynthetic power often serve as metaphors for nourishment and vitality.
- Chloroplasts remind us of the interconnectedness of life and the beauty of nature's design, often celebrated in various art forms.
Origin of 'chloroplast'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Greek, where 'chloros' means green and 'plast' means formed or molded.
- Chloroplasts were first discovered in the 1830s by botanists studying plant cells.
- The term started being used widely in scientific literature in the mid-19th century.
The term 'chloroplast' is derived from the Greek words 'chloros', meaning green, and 'plastos', meaning formed or molded. The word was first used in the late 19th century when scientists began to identify the distinct structures within plant cells that were involved in photosynthesis. Chloroplasts were recognized as specialized organelles capable of converting sunlight into chemical energy, a critical process for life on Earth. Over time, research continued to uncover the complex nature of chloroplasts, including their own genetic material and their evolutionary origins from cyanobacteria, a process known as endosymbiosis. This understanding has significantly advanced our knowledge of plant biology and ecology.