
Thylakoid membranes
Thylakoid membranes are specialized structures found within plant cells' chloroplasts, where photosynthesis occurs. They are thin, disc-shaped layers stacked like pancakes, containing chlorophyll—the pigment that captures sunlight. These membranes host the light-dependent reactions that convert sunlight into chemical energy, producing oxygen, ATP, and NADPH. Their organized structure maximizes light absorption and efficiently facilitates energy transfer processes. Essentially, thylakoid membranes are integral to a plant's ability to harness sunlight and produce the energy necessary for growth and survival.