Organelles that Capture and Release Energy
Chloroplasts
Chloroplasts are found only in plants! They are surrounded by two membranes. Chlorophyll, a green pigment, is found within the chloroplasts, which create their green color. Chloroplasts are necessary for the processes synthesis and respiration. They are very involved in photosynthesis in plants, which is when chloroplasts capture energy from the sunlight and convert it into food that contains chemical energy.
Mitochondria
Commonly referred to as "power houses" of the cell, mitochondria have two membranes just like chloroplasts. Mitochondria are involved in a process called respiration. Respiration is the process of converting sugars to ATP, the energy form used by cells for all activities. .