In plants, the structure responsible for photosynthesis is called the chloroplast. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures sunlight and converts light energy into chemical energy, specifically sugar, through the process of photosynthesis. This process takes in carbon dioxide and water, producing glucose and oxygen as byproducts. Chloroplasts are essential for plant growth and nourishment and contribute significantly to the global ecosystem by generating oxygen and serving as the base of the food web.