Thylakoids in chloroplasts are essential for the process of photosynthesis. They are membrane-bound structures containing chlorophyll and other pigments that capture light energy. During the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, thylakoids facilitate the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy, generating ATP and NADPH. These compounds are subsequently used in the Calvin cycle to synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide. Thylakoids also play a role in creating proton gradients, which are vital for ATP synthesis.