Thylakoid
Thylakoid
Thylakoid (pronounced: /ˈθaɪləˌkɔɪd/) is a term derived from the Greek words "thylakos" meaning sac or pouch, and "eidos" meaning form or shape. It refers to the structural unit of photosynthesis in plants and green algae.
Definition
A thylakoid is a membrane-bound compartment inside chloroplasts and cyanobacteria. They are the site of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. Thylakoids consist of a thylakoid membrane surrounding a thylakoid lumen.
Structure
Thylakoids are made up of a thylakoid membrane and a lumen. The thylakoid membrane is a lipid bilayer which houses integral and peripheral membrane proteins, including the photosynthetic pigment chlorophyll.
Function
The primary role of the thylakoid is in the photosynthesis process. The thylakoid membrane contains some integral membrane protein complexes that catalyze the light reactions of photosynthesis. These include the photosystem I (PSI), photosystem II (PSII), cytochrome b6f complex, and ATP synthase.
Related Terms
- Chloroplast: An organelle found in plant and algae cells where photosynthesis occurs.
- Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the aid of chlorophyll pigments.
- Cyanobacteria: A phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis.
- Photosystem: A protein complex, a type of biological electron transport chain, located in the thylakoid membrane.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Thylakoid
- Wikipedia's article - Thylakoid
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