A thylakoid is a membrane-bound compartment inside chloroplasts and cyanobacteria where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur. It contains chlorophyll and other pigments that capture light energy.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Thylakoids are organized into stacks called grana within the chloroplasts.
The thylakoid membrane houses the photosystems, electron transport chain, and ATP synthase.
Light absorption by chlorophyll in the thylakoid membrane initiates the process of converting light energy into chemical energy.
The interior of a thylakoid is called the lumen, which plays a crucial role in proton accumulation during photosynthesis.
Thylakoids are unique to phototrophic eukaryotes like plants and algae as well as some bacteria like cyanobacteria.
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Related terms
Chloroplast: An organelle found in plant cells and algae that conducts photosynthesis.