thylakoidikalvosto

Thylakoidikalvosto, often referred to as the thylakoid membrane, is a vital component within chloroplasts and cyanobacteria. These membrane-bound compartments are the site of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. The thylakoid system is composed of flattened sacs called thylakoids, which can be arranged in stacks known as grana, or exist as single, unstacked lamellae. Embedded within the thylakoid membrane are pigment molecules, primarily chlorophylls, along with other light-absorbing carotenoids. These pigments capture light energy, which is then used to drive the synthesis of ATP and NADPH. The internal space of the thylakoid, known as the lumen, plays a crucial role in establishing a proton gradient that powers ATP synthase. The thylakoid membrane is selectively permeable, controlling the passage of substances between the lumen and the stroma, the fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids within the chloroplast. This intricate membrane structure is essential for converting light energy into chemical energy, forming the foundation of most life on Earth.