stroma (pl stromata)

Term: stroma

Origin: Anc Greek

στρώμα/stroma(=bed covering) > στορέννυμι /storenemi(=spread out for sitting or lying upon)

Definition:

1.       (anatomy). The supportive framework of an organ or other structure, typically composed of connective tissue.

1.  (cell biology).  The spongy matrix of a cell that functionally supports the cell.

3. (botany).  The matrix of the chloroplast which is a thick fluid in between grana where various enzymes, molecules and ions are found, and where the dark reaction (or carbohydrate formation reactions) of photosynthesis occurs.

4. (mycology) in certain fungi stroma is the somatic mass of fungous tissue.