Which organelle would you expect to find in an algae cell?

Algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems. One of the defining features of these organisms is the presence of chloroplasts, which are specialized organelles responsible for photosynthesis. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and other pigments that capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy, allowing algae to produce their own food by converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Given that algae are primarily photosynthetic, the presence of chloroplasts is essential for their survival and functionality, enabling them to harness sunlight effectively. In contrast, lysosomes and the nucleus are common in various cell types, including both plant and animal cells, but they do not specifically characterize algae. While mitochondria are present in almost all eukaryotic cells for energy production, chloroplasts are uniquely associated with organisms like algae that perform photosynthesis. Therefore, the presence of chloroplasts is a distinctive characteristic of algae cells.