1. Capturing light energy: This is done by chloroplasts, specifically the chlorophyll within them. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, particularly in the red and blue wavelengths, and converts it into chemical energy.
2. Converting light energy into chemical energy: This is also done by chloroplasts, through a complex series of reactions called the light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle). These reactions use the captured light energy to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are then used to convert carbon dioxide into glucose, a usable form of chemical energy for the plant.
So, while the entire process of photosynthesis takes place within a plant cell, the chloroplasts are the key organelles responsible for the two main functions: capturing light and converting it into chemical energy.
