Fotosinteza je osnovni proces rastlinske primarne produkcije s pomembnimi posledicami za produktivnost ekosistemov. Neposredno je odvisna od morfoloških in strukturnih posebnosti rastlinskih celic in njihovih organelov, še posebej kloroplastov. Strukturne lastnosti posameznih membranskih sklopov v kloroplastih omogočajo razvoj ustreznih biofizikalnih in biokemijskih pogojev za potek fotosinteze. Pomembno pa na njen potek in učinkovitost vplivajo tudi posamezni encimi udeleženi v različnih fotosinteznih reakcijah, kar je izrednega pomena predvsem v ekstremnih ekosistemih. Poglavitni namen sestavka je osvetliti povezanost struktur in funkcij v procesih fotosinteze.

Photosynthesis is fundamental process of plant primary production with obvious consequences for productivity of terrestrial ecosystems. It is ultimately linked with complex morphological and structural properties of plant cells and its compartments, in particular chloroplasts. Structural significance of chloroplast's sub- -compartments is in providing biophysical and biochemical properties that are prerequisite for photosynthetic processes. In addition, biochemical specificities of the enzymes involved may significantly affect photosynthesis and its efficiency, particularly under extreme environmental conditions. The main aim is to shed more light on the relationships of structure and function during photosynthesis.