Is 'grana' a common English word?

No, it is a highly specialised scientific term used only in biology.

Can 'grana' be used as a singular noun?

No. The singular form is 'granum'. 'Grana' is always plural.

What is the main function of grana?

Grana are the sites for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy.

Is there any difference between British and American English for this word?

No significant difference. It is used identically in scientific contexts worldwide.

Is “grana” formal?

Grana is usually formal, technical in register.

How do you pronounce “grana”?

Grana: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪnə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

grana: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈɡreɪnə/US/ˈɡreɪnə/

Formal, Technical

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Quick answer

What does “grana” mean?

A plural biological term for the stacks of thylakoid membranes found inside chloroplasts, where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A plural biological term for the stacks of thylakoid membranes found inside chloroplasts, where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.

In botany and cell biology, specifically refers to the coin-like stacks of membrane discs (thylakoids) that contain chlorophyll and other photosynthetic pigments. The singular form is 'granum'.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in meaning or usage. Pronunciation may have minor variations.

Connotations

Purely scientific/technical; no cultural or regional connotations.

Frequency

Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to biology textbooks and research.

Grammar

How to Use “grana” in a Sentence

The grana [VERB]...[NOUN] within the granaGrana are [ADJ].

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

chloroplast granastacked granagrana lamellae

medium

grana in the chloroplaststructure of granaphotosynthesis in grana

weak

numerous granadense granaobserve grana

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in biology textbooks, research papers, and lectures on plant physiology or photosynthesis.

Everyday

Not used.

Technical

Precisely used in botany, horticulture, agronomy, and cell biology to describe chloroplast ultrastructure.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “grana”

Strong

granum stacks

Neutral

thylakoid stacks

Weak

photosynthetic membraneschlorophyll-containing structures

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “grana”

stroma (the fluid-filled space surrounding grana in chloroplasts)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “grana”

Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a grana'). The singular is 'granum'.
Using it outside of a biological context.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is a highly specialised scientific term used only in biology.
: No. The singular form is 'granum'. 'Grana' is always plural.
: Grana are the sites for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy.
: No significant difference. It is used identically in scientific contexts worldwide.
: A plural biological term for the stacks of thylakoid membranes found inside chloroplasts, where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur.
: Grana is usually formal, technical in register.
: Grana: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪnə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“(None. The word does not feature in idioms.)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'GRAin' - grana look like stacks of coins or grains under a microscope, and they are found in plants (the source of grain).

Conceptual Metaphor

Grana are like solar panels in a power plant (the chloroplast), stacked to maximize light capture for energy production (photosynthesis).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis take place in the of the chloroplast.

Multiple Choice

What is the singular form of 'grana'?