What is the primary function of chloroplasts in plants?

The primary function of chloroplasts in plants is to facilitate photosynthesis, the process through which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the pigment that captures sunlight, and other necessary components for photosynthesis. During this process, plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil. Using sunlight, chloroplasts convert these raw materials into glucose, which serves as an energy source for the plant, and oxygen, which is released as a byproduct.

This function is crucial for plant survival and growth, as it enables the conversion of solar energy into a form that is usable by the plant and, ultimately, by other organisms in the ecosystem. In contrast, other choices do not accurately reflect the role of chloroplasts; they relate to different plant functions such as respiration, nutrient storage, and water absorption, which occur in other parts of the plant or involve different cellular structures.