thylakoids

Thylakoids are small, membrane-bound structures found inside plant cells' chloroplasts, the organelles responsible for photosynthesis. They are arranged in stacks called grana and contain pigments like chlorophyll, which capture sunlight. Thylakoids play a key role in transforming light energy into chemical energy by enabling the process of photosynthesis. They host essential molecules and enzymes that facilitate the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Essentially, thylakoids are the sites where plants harness sunlight to produce the energy they need for growth and development.