Plant Pigments and Their Functions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to plant pigments and their functions, focusing on chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytochrome.

Pigments are __ compounds that give living things their color and may serve other functions.

organic

The three types of chlorophyll are chlorophyll a, b, and __.

c

Chlorophyll pigments reflect __ light, which makes plants look green.

green

Chlorophyll absorbs red, yellow, and __ light.

blue

Chlorophyll contains a __ ion, which is different from the iron in hemoglobin.

magnesium

Carotenoids are known as __ pigments because they assist chlorophyll in photosynthesis.

accessory

Carotenoid pigments give plant parts __, yellow, or orange coloration.

red

The most common flavonoids are the __, which produce bright red coloration in plants.

anthocyanins

Flavonoids are usually found in the __ of plant cells.

vacuoles

Anthocyanin pigments are usually found in the petals of flowers and in of fruits.

the flesh

Phytochrome is a plant pigment that triggers certain events in a plant’s __ and development.

growth

The light absorbed by phytochrome acts like the flip of a __ to start a new process in plants.

switch

One process that phytochrome can trigger is __ germination.

seed

__ helps initiate the process of photosynthesis by exciting electrons.

Light energy absorbed by chlorophyll

Carotenoid pigments are responsible for colors seen in __ leaves during autumn.

autumn

Phytochrome can influence processes such as stem and leaf __.

growth

Chlorophyll pigments play a critical role in plant __.

physiology

In addition to color, chlorophyll assists with light energy __.

absorption

The __ absorption in chlorophyll provides the energy for photosynthesis.

light

The vibrant red autumn leaves are an indication of the presence of __ pigments.

anthocyanin