Chloroplast Structure and Function Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the structure of a chloroplast?

It's surrounded by a double membrane, inside is a fluid filled region called the Stroma and stacks of membrane called grana.

What are grana?

Known as thylakoids, contains pigments, and is responsible for the absorption of light energy.

What is the stroma?

Part of the chloroplast that contains enzymes which control the reaction of the carbon fixation stage.

How are thylakoids arranged?

In stacks called grana. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two reactions of photosynthesis?

Light Independent reactions & Light Dependent reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What do light dependent reactions do?

Provide energy, NADPH, and ATP for light independent reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What do light independent reactions do?

Turn CO2 into carbohydrates. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of cell is chloroplast found in?

It’s the structure in a green plant cell where photosynthesis occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of chloroplasts?

Absorbs sunlight and converts it into sugar molecules and also produces free energy stored in the form of ATP and NADPH through photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

Does the size of chloroplasts vary?

Yes, it varies from species to species. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three membranes of the chloroplast?

Outer membrane, inner membrane, and thylakoid. Signup and view all the answers

What does the stroma contain?

Starch grains and ribosomes. Signup and view all the answers

What are photosystems?

Photosynthetic pigments are arranged into photosystems, which allow maximum absorption of light energy. Signup and view all the answers

Where are proteins located in the chloroplast?

Located inside the grana which hold the photosystems together. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chloroplast Structure

Composed of a double membrane that encloses the internal components.
Contains a fluid-filled region known as the stroma where biochemical reactions occur.
Features stacks of thylakoid membranes called grana, which house pigment molecules.

Grana and Thylakoids

Grana consist of thylakoids responsible for capturing light energy through pigments.
The organization into stacks enhances the efficiency of light absorption.

Stroma

Enzymes present in the stroma facilitate the carbon fixation process during photosynthesis.
Additionally contains starch grains and ribosomes vital for chloroplast function.

Photosynthesis Reactions

Two main phases: Light Dependent (requires sunlight) and Light Independent (can occur without light).
Light Dependent reactions generate ATP and NADPH, essential for powering the Light Independent reactions.
Light Independent reactions utilize carbon dioxide (CO2) to synthesize carbohydrates.

Cellular Context

Chloroplasts are found exclusively in green plant cells, making them critical for photosynthesis.
Structural variation in chloroplast sizes exists among different species of plants.

Function of Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts convert sunlight into chemical energy, specifically sugar molecules.
This process results in the production of free energy stored in ATP and NADPH.

Membrane Systems

Consist of three distinct membranes: outer membrane, inner membrane, and thylakoid membrane.
The thylakoid membrane houses the photosystems, which are essential for light energy absorption.

Additional Components

Photosystems contain arranged photosynthetic pigments designed for optimal light absorption.
Proteins located within the grana maintain the structural integrity of photosystems.

Description

Test your knowledge on the structure and function of chloroplasts with these interactive flashcards. Learn about key components like grana and stroma, and their roles in photosynthesis. Ideal for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding of plant cell organelles.