Photosynthesis primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells. These chloroplasts are found mainly in the mesophyll layer of the leaves. Within the chloroplasts, photosynthesis takes place in specialized structures called thylakoids, which contain the pigment chlorophyll that absorbs light energy needed for the process

. Key details include:

• Location in plant : Mostly in the mesophyll cells of leaves, but also to a lesser extent in stems

• Organelle : Chloroplast, which is surrounded by a double membrane and contains internal thylakoid membranes stacked into grana

• Photosynthetic pigments : Chlorophyll embedded in thylakoid membranes captures light energy

• Process sites : Light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes, and the Calvin cycle (carbon fixation) occurs in the stroma, the fluid surrounding the thylakoids inside the chloroplast

Thus, photosynthesis occurs inside chloroplasts in the leaf mesophyll cells, utilizing chlorophyll in thylakoid membranes to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in sugars