Photosynthesis occurs inside the chloroplasts of plant cells. Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found mainly in the mesophyll cells of leaves, where they capture light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen

. Within the chloroplast, photosynthesis takes place primarily in the thylakoid membranes. These membranes contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that absorbs light. The thylakoids are stacked into structures called grana, and the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur in the thylakoid membranes. The light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) occur in the stroma, the fluid surrounding the thylakoids inside the chloroplast

. In summary:

• Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts.
• Light-dependent reactions happen in the thylakoid membranes.
• Light-independent (carbon fixation) reactions occur in the stroma.
• Chloroplasts are mainly located in the mesophyll cells of leaves, where most photosynthesis takes place