ScienceJuly 14, 2026
chloroplast
/ˈklɔːrəplæst/
Definition
A specialized organelle found in plant cells that performs photosynthesis and regulates cellular protein synthesis in response to environmental changes.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Greek 'chloros' meaning pale green and 'plastos' meaning formed or molded. It entered scientific English in the late 19th century to describe the green, chlorophyll-containing bodies within plant cells.
In the news
In this article, chloroplasts are described as active sensors that trigger immediate plant acclimation by targeting protein translation when light conditions change. They function here as a critical control center for a plant's rapid physiological response.
Figure (IMAGE)
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!