Page 27 - The Cell and Its Components
P. 27
thylakoids. The thylakoids are often arranged into
stacks called granum as shown in the picture
below. The granum are connected by disc-like
structures called lamella.
Pigments - Pigments give the chloroplast and the
plant its color. The most common pigment is
chlorophyll which gives plants their green color.
Chlorophyll helps to absorb energy from sunlight.
Other - Chloroplasts have their own DNA and
ribosomes for making proteins from RNA.
Photosynthesis
Chloroplasts use photosynthesis to turn sunlight into
food. The chlorophyll captures energy from light and
stores it in a special molecule called ATP (which stands
for adenosine triphosphate). Later, the ATP is combined
with carbon dioxide and water to make sugars such as
glucose that the plant can use as food.
