Chapter 8, Problem 14A

Summary Introduction

To write:

Correct vocabulary term for the given definition.

Introduction:

Photosynthesis is an anabolic pathway in which light energy from the Sun is converted to chemical energy for use by the cell. Autotrophs use solar energy along with carbon dioxide and water to form glucose and oxygen. The energy stored in glucose can be transferred to other organisms when the glucose is consumed as food. 

Answer to Problem 14A

Thylakoids

Explanation of Solution

Light energy is trapped by pigments called chlorophyll and converted to chemical energy during the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis occurs in two phases; light-dependent reaction and light-independent reaction. The light-dependent reaction is also called a light reaction. Chloroplasts are the organelles that capture light energy. Chloroplasts have two compartments; 

1. Flat sac-like structures called thylakoids which are arranged in stacks called grana and 
2. A fluid-filled space called stroma present outside the grana.

Light reactions occur in the thylakoids within the chloroplasts.