Chloroplasts are tiny structures found in the cells of plants and some algae. They are responsible for photosynthesis, the process that allows plants to convert sunlight into energy. Inside chloroplasts, a green pigment called chlorophyll captures sunlight, which helps transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process is essential for plant growth and provides oxygen for other living organisms. In addition to producing energy, chloroplasts play a role in storing energy and synthesizing important substances like starch and fatty acids. They are unique because they have their own DNA, which is similar to that of bacteria. This suggests that chloroplasts may have originated from ancient bacteria that formed a symbiotic relationship with early plant cells.