Which term describes the membranes within chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions occur?

The term that describes the membranes within chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions occur is thylakoids. Thylakoids are highly organized structures that contain the necessary components for capturing and converting light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis. They are arranged in stacks known as grana, which are interconnected by stroma, the fluid component of chloroplasts where the Calvin cycle occurs.

The light-dependent reactions take place specifically in the thylakoids, utilizing chlorophyll and other pigments to absorb light energy. This energy is then used to produce ATP and NADPH, which are vital for the subsequent light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) in the stroma. Thus, thylakoids are central to the process of photosynthesis, playing a crucial role in converting light energy into a form that can be used by the plant.