Module in Science 9
First Quarter
Week 6
Parts of a Chloroplast
Chloroplasts are found in all green plants and algae. They are the food producers of plants. These are found in the
guard cells located in the leaves of the plants. They contain a high concentration of chlorophyll that traps sunlight.
This cell organelle is not present in animal cells.
Chloroplast has its own DNA and can reproduce independently, from the rest of the cell. They also produce amino
acids and lipids required for the production of chloroplast membrane.
Parts of Chloroplast Functions
Inner Membrane The inner membrane of the chloroplast forms a border to the
stroma. It regulates passage of materials in and out of the
chloroplast. In addition of regulation activity, the fatty acids,
lipids and carotenoids are synthesized in the inner chloroplast
membrane.
Intermembrane Space It is usually a thin intermembrane space about 10-20
nanometers and it is present between the outer and the inner
membrane of the chloroplast.
Outer Membrane It is a semi-porous membrane and is permeable to small
molecules and ions, which diffuses easily. The outer
membrane is not permeable to larger proteins.
Stroma Stroma is an alkaline, aqueous fluid which is protein rich and
is present within the inner membrane of the chloroplast. The
space outside the thylakoid space is called the stroma.
Thylakoid Thylakoids are the internal membranes of chloroplasts and
cyanobacteria, and provide the platform for the light reactions
of photosynthesis.
Lamella A sheet like membrane found within a chloroplast of an
autotrophic cell. They act as a type of wall at
which chloroplasts can be fixed within, achieving the
maximum light possible.