Types of plant pigments
The pigments in plants give nature its distinct color, says New Yorker and biology student Steven Rindner. The reason why green is not the color of leaves, but its dominant color as well, is because of the presence of chlorophyll. But, there are other types of pigments which give nature its colorful diversity. This article hopes to enlighten everyone about these other types of pigments, and other useful properties.
Types of plant pigments:
Chlorophyll
As said earlier that chlorophyll is mainly responsible for nature’s green color explains why it is the primary pigment. Steven Rindner even adds, that the process of photosynthesis depends highly on chlorophyll’s reaction to the sun’s continuous supply of light energy. Chlorophyll has different types which can be found in different types of living organisms: Chlorophyll A (algae, cyanobacteria and in higher plants), Chlorophyll B (green algae and in higher plants), Chlorophyll C (in photosynthetic Chromista, marine algae), Chlorophyll D (in red algae), Chlorophyll E (only in algae).
Carotenoids
These pigments give certain fruits, such as carrots, papaya, mangoes, tomatoes, etc. Their yellowish and red-orange color, says Steven Rindner. Carotenoids are produced through biosynthesis in plants, fungi, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. In humans and also animal cells, carotenoids are produced only from diets.
Anthocyanins
These water-soluble pigments belong to the flavonoid group, says Steven Rindner. Anthocyanins give grapes, strawberries, raspberries, and even flowers their brilliant reddish and purple color. Health benefits of anthocyanins include anticancer properties, as well as anti-flammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidants.
Flavonoids
Yellow is the color of this type of pigment which is present in oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and even on some flowers. Flavonoids generally reside in plastids and cytoplasms of a plant cell. Flavonoids have antioxidant properties and is helpful in managing or lowering of cholesterol says Steven Rindner.
