Which organelle traps sunlight to aid in photosynthesis?

The organelle that traps sunlight to aid in photosynthesis is the chloroplast. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that absorbs light energy, particularly from the blue and red wavelengths of light. This absorption of sunlight is crucial because it provides the energy needed to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen during the photosynthetic process. This energy transformation not only enables plants to produce their own food but also plays a pivotal role in the broader ecosystem by producing oxygen and serving as a foundational energy source for many other organisms.

In contrast, the other organelles listed serve different functions; mitochondria are involved in energy production through respiration, ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis, and lysosomes function in breakdown and recycling of waste materials within the cell. Each organelle has its specific role, and the chloroplast's unique ability to harness sunlight is what distinguishes it in the context of photosynthesis.