THYLAKOIDS Meaning and
Definition
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Thylakoids are membrane-bound compartments found within the chloroplasts of plant cells and some other photosynthetic organisms. They are essential structures for the process of photosynthesis, serving as the site where various molecules and reactions are organized to capture and convert light energy into chemical energy.
The thylakoid membranes are composed of a lipid bilayer embedded with numerous protein complexes. They form interconnected stacks called grana, which are connected by thin, flattened regions known as stroma lamellae. The arrangement of these membranes in grana provides a large surface area for the attachment of pigments and proteins involved in light absorption and electron transport.
Within the thylakoid membranes, there are two primary types of pigments: chlorophylls and carotenoids. These pigments capture the energy from sunlight and transfer it to reaction centers, where photochemical reactions occur. The absorbed light energy drives a series of electron transfers along the thylakoid membranes, resulting in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) – energy-rich molecules essential for the synthesis of carbohydrates and other organic compounds.
Thylakoids are also responsible for the generation of oxygen during photosynthesis. In a process called photolysis, water molecules are split into oxygen, electrons, and protons within the thylakoid lumen, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
Overall, thylakoids play a crucial role in the generation of energy and oxygen in photosynthetic organisms, making them integral components for sustaining life on Earth.
Common Misspellings for THYLAKOIDS
Etymology of THYLAKOIDS
The word "thylakoids" is derived from the Greek word "thylakos", which means "sack" or "pouch". Thylakoids are specialized membranes found in the chloroplasts of plant cells and are arranged in stacks called grana. The term "thylakoid" was coined to describe these flattened, sac-like structures that are involved in the process of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy.
Similar spelling word for THYLAKOIDS
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