What is the Difference Between Grana and Stroma?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between grana and stroma lies in their structures and functions within the chloroplast of plant cells. Here are the key differences:
- Grana: These are stacks of thylakoids embedded in the stroma of a chloroplast. Grana are also called granum lamellae and enlose a space known as a locus. They provide a large surface area for the attachment of chlorophylls and other photosynthetic pigments. The site of light reaction during photosynthesis, where chlorophyll is stored, is located in the grana.
- Stroma: This is the aqueous fluid filling the chloroplast cavity and serves as the homogeneous framework where grana are inserted. The stroma is the site of light-independent reactions, also known as dark reactions, during photosynthesis. It is a fluid-filled matrix inside the inner membrane of the chloroplast.
In summary, grana are stacks of thylakoids in the chloroplast where the light reactions take place, while stroma is the fluid-filled matrix in the chloroplast where the light-independent reactions occur.
Comparative Table: Grana vs Stroma
Here is a table comparing the differences between grana and stroma:
Feature | Grana | Stroma |
---|---|---|
Definition | Grana are stacks of thylakoid membranes embedded in the stroma of a chloroplast. | Stroma is the fluid-filled matrix inside the inner membrane of the chloroplast. |
Structure | Each granum consists of 5-25 disc-shaped thylakoids stacked one on the other. | Thylakoids are connected with other thylakoids via a thin grana lamellae. |
Function | Grana are the site of light-dependent reactions during photosynthesis. | The light-independent stage of photosynthesis (reduction of carbon dioxide) takes place in the stroma. |
Composition | Grana contain pigments and proteins necessary for photosynthesis. | Stroma contains DNA, ribosomes, and other necessary components for the chloroplast. |
In summary, grana are stacks of thylakoid membranes where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur, while the stroma is the fluid-filled matrix inside the chloroplast where the light-independent reactions take place.
Read more:
- Thylakoid vs Stroma
- Grana vs Thylakoid
- Stroma vs Stoma
- Chlorophyll vs Chloroplast
- Mitochondria vs Chloroplast
- Granular vs Agranular Endoplasmic Reticulum
- Chemiosmosis in Mitochondria vs Chloroplast
- Cristae vs Cisternae
- Stomata vs Guard Cells
- Mitochondria vs Plastids
- Protoplast vs Protoplasm
- Cytoplasm vs Protoplasm
- Red Grapes vs Green Grapes
- Prism Spectra vs Grating Spectra
- Cellulose vs Starch
- Glucose vs Starch
- Grain vs Wheat
- Stomata vs Lenticels
- Cytoplasm vs Cytosol