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Do All Plants Contain Chloroplasts?
In general, when referring to plants -- at least the ones that are green -- it can be assumed they have a chloroplast. Nearly every type of plant contains a chloroplast; there are even a few species that contain chloroplasts but lack chlorophyll -- the central light-absorbing pigment involved in photosynthesis. Only a few types of plants lack a chloroplast, and most people aren't familiar with them.
Plants Lacking Chloroplasts
Plants lacking chloroplasts generally come in two varieties -- Saprophytes or parasites. The parasitic versions utilize carbon compounds created by other plants containing chloroplasts. In Saprophytes, which come in about 400 species varieties, fungi within the roots provide nutrients. Although these types of plants exist, most are very rare and small.
Chloroplast's Role
The chloroplast serves as one of the most crucial cells within a plant. It creates food through the process of photosynthesis. Food resulting from production is in the form of sugars and starches. The glucose supply allows the plant to grow and undergo metabolic processes. During production of food, plants also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen as a byproduct. The only other key ingredient is water, which is also broken down during the process of food production.
Chloroplast Structures
The chloroplast contains several different structures. Among the most notable are cylindrical structures known as grana. Each grana is made up of stacked disks called thylakoids. Upon the thylakoid membrane, the chlorophyll pigment exists and absorbs portions of the visible light spectrum -- both of the blue and red wavelengths, reflecting green. This is why plants containing chloroplasts look green in color.