Plant Pigments
Plant pigments are colored molecules essential for plant life, primarily enabling photosynthesis and providing coloration.
The most common is chlorophyll (green), which absorbs red and blue light to convert light energy into chemical energy. Carotenoids (yellow, orange) act as accessory pigments, absorbing wavelengths chlorophyll misses and protecting the plant from photo-damage. Anthocyanins (red, purple, blue) are water-soluble pigments, mainly in fruits and flowers, which help attract pollinators and seed dispersers, and offer protection against environmental stresses like cold and UV light.
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