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Capture Light
One of the functions of chloroplasts is the capture of light from the sun. As the rays of the sun in the form of photons strike the leaf of a plant, they enter discs known as thylakoids. These discs, which are contained within the chloroplast, stack on top of each other. Each stack of discs is known as a grana. One chloroplast contains numerous stacks of grana, which are connected by a system of tubules.
Chlorophyll Use
The thylakoid discs contain chlorophyll in their membranes. Chlorophyll is the substance that gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll absorbs light in the process of photosynthesis. The next step following the absorption of light is the emission of electrons. Chlorophyll obtains these electrons from water in a process that involves separating the atoms of water.
Production of Oxygen
The process of photosynthesis produces oxygen as a byproduct. The chloroplast accomplishes this feat by splitting off the oxygen atom from the two hydrogen atoms in water. This step occurs when the chlorophyll is removing electrons from water. This function of chloroplasts generates oxygen in large quantities and is vital to a healthy atmosphere and planet.
Production of Energy
The electrons from water transport hydrogen ions throughout the membranes of the chloroplast. These ions then initiate the process of producing adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, the chemical energy of cells. ATP is the driving force that powers cells.