The part of the plant where most photosynthesis takes place is the leaves , specifically within the mesophyll layer of the leaf. The mesophyll contains cells rich in chloroplasts , which are the organelles where photosynthesis occurs
. Within the mesophyll, there are two types of cells:
- Palisade mesophyll cells : These are densely packed and contain a high concentration of chloroplasts, making them the primary site of photosynthesis.
- Spongy mesophyll cells : These are more loosely arranged to facilitate gas exchange but contain fewer chloroplasts compared to palisade cells
Photosynthesis happens inside the chloroplasts, where chlorophyll pigment captures light energy. The process involves the thylakoid membranes (site of light-dependent reactions) and the stroma (site of the Calvin cycle or light- independent reactions)
. In summary:
- Leaves are the main photosynthetic organs.
- Photosynthesis predominantly occurs in the palisade mesophyll cells of the leaf.
- Chloroplasts within these cells carry out the photosynthetic process
