Page 28 - The Cell and Its Components

Other Functions
Other functions of chloroplasts include fighting off
diseases as part of the cell's immune system, storing
energy for the cell, and making amino acids for the cell.

Interesting Facts about Chloroplasts
 Simple cells, like those found in algae, may only
have one or two chloroplasts. More complex plant
cells, however, may contain hundreds.
 Chloroplasts will sometimes move around within
the cell in order to position themselves to where
they can best absorb sunlight.
 The "chloro" in chloroplast comes from the Greek
word chloros (meaning green).
 The most abundant protein in chloroplasts is the
protein Rubisco. Rubisco is likely the most
abundant protein in the world.
 Human and animal cells do not need chloroplasts
because we get our energy from eating and
digesting food rather than through photosynthesis.
 Scientists estimate that there are around 500,000
chloroplasts in a single square millimeter of a leaf.
 There are actually different colors of chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll A is the most common type and is
green. Chlorophyll C is a golden or brownish color.

Activity:
1) What is the main function of the chloroplast?
Mitosis
Meiosis
Translation
Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis
2) True or False: Chloroplasts are ALWAYS very small
compared to the size of the cell.