Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in plant cells and some protists, responsible for the process of photosynthesis. They contain the green pigment chlorophyll, which captures light energy, converting it into chemical energy stored in the form of glucose. In addition to photosynthesis, chloroplasts also play roles in producing amino acids and fatty acids, contributing to the overall metabolism of the plant. They are essential for plant growth and development, impacting both the plant's energy production and its ability to produce oxygen, a vital component of the Earth's atmosphere.