Which part of the plant is responsible for photosynthesis?

The leaves of a plant are primarily responsible for photosynthesis. This process occurs in specialized cells within the leaves that contain chloroplasts, which are the organelles containing chlorophyll. Chlorophyll captures sunlight, which is essential for converting carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose and oxygen. This glucose serves as an energy source for the plant, while oxygen is released as a byproduct.

Leaves are designed specifically for photosynthesis; they have a broad surface area to maximize sunlight absorption and are often thin to facilitate gas exchange. The internal structure of the leaf, including mesophyll cells, is optimized for this function. Other parts of the plant, such as roots, stems, and flowers, play different roles; roots primarily absorb water and nutrients from the soil, stems provide support and transport, and flowers are involved in reproduction. Thus, the unique characteristics and specialized structure of leaves make them the main site for photosynthesis.