A bio pigment, also known as a pigment or biochrome, is a substance produced by living organisms that creates a color through the selective absorption of specific wavelengths of light. These pigments are found in plants, animals, and even microbes. For example, chlorophyll is a bio pigment found in plants that absorbs blue and red light, reflecting green light, which is why plants appear green.
Bio pigments have a wide variety of functions in living organisms, including:
- Attracting pollinators: Flowers use pigments like anthocyanins to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
- Camouflage: Animals use pigments like melanin to blend in with their surroundings.
- Protection from UV radiation: Pigments like carotenoids can protect organisms from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
- Signaling: Some animals use pigments to communicate with each other, such as the bright colors of a peacock's feathers.
Bio pigments are found in various sources, including:
- Plants: Chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins
- Microbes: Pyocyanin
- Animals: Melanin, hemoglobin
Some examples of bio pigments in action:
- Chlorophyll: The green pigment that allows plants to photosynthesize.
- Melanin: The brown, black, or reddish pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color.
- Carotenoids: The yellow, orange, or red pigments found in fruits and vegetables.
- Anthocyanins: The red, purple, or blue pigments found in flowers and berries.
Bio pigments are essential for life on Earth and play a vital role in the color and diversity of the natural world.
