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Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          1 
 
                                                                                                                                                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discipline: Botany 
Paper: Plant physiology 
Lesson: Plant Pigments 
Lesson Developer: Ms. Dhara Arora
 
Department/College: Department of Botany,  
University of Delhi
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 2


Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          1 
 
                                                                                                                                                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discipline: Botany 
Paper: Plant physiology 
Lesson: Plant Pigments 
Lesson Developer: Ms. Dhara Arora
 
Department/College: Department of Botany,  
University of Delhi
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          2 
 
 
Table of contents 
Lesson: Plant pigments 
? Introduction 
? Carotenoids 
? Flavonoid/ Anthocyanins 
? Chlorophylls 
? Betalains 
? Summary 
? Exercise/ Practice 
? Glossary 
? References/ Weblinks 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 3


Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          1 
 
                                                                                                                                                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discipline: Botany 
Paper: Plant physiology 
Lesson: Plant Pigments 
Lesson Developer: Ms. Dhara Arora
 
Department/College: Department of Botany,  
University of Delhi
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          2 
 
 
Table of contents 
Lesson: Plant pigments 
? Introduction 
? Carotenoids 
? Flavonoid/ Anthocyanins 
? Chlorophylls 
? Betalains 
? Summary 
? Exercise/ Practice 
? Glossary 
? References/ Weblinks 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          3 
 
 
Learning outcomes: 
The student will be able to 
? Learn about the principal plant pigments 
? Learn about various kinds of pigments and their occurrence in plants  
? Understand Structures and biosynthetic pathway of carotenoids  
? Understand role of carotenoids present in plants 
? Understand types of flavonoids and their biological significance 
? Learn about anthocyanins and their uses 
? Understand the structure of chloroplasst  
? Understand the significant role of chlorophylls in photosynthesis  
? Explain the entire biosynthetic pathway of betalains 
? Learn about the properties and applications of betalains 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 4


Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          1 
 
                                                                                                                                                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discipline: Botany 
Paper: Plant physiology 
Lesson: Plant Pigments 
Lesson Developer: Ms. Dhara Arora
 
Department/College: Department of Botany,  
University of Delhi
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          2 
 
 
Table of contents 
Lesson: Plant pigments 
? Introduction 
? Carotenoids 
? Flavonoid/ Anthocyanins 
? Chlorophylls 
? Betalains 
? Summary 
? Exercise/ Practice 
? Glossary 
? References/ Weblinks 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          3 
 
 
Learning outcomes: 
The student will be able to 
? Learn about the principal plant pigments 
? Learn about various kinds of pigments and their occurrence in plants  
? Understand Structures and biosynthetic pathway of carotenoids  
? Understand role of carotenoids present in plants 
? Understand types of flavonoids and their biological significance 
? Learn about anthocyanins and their uses 
? Understand the structure of chloroplasst  
? Understand the significant role of chlorophylls in photosynthesis  
? Explain the entire biosynthetic pathway of betalains 
? Learn about the properties and applications of betalains 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          4 
 
 
Introduction 
Pigments are the molecules which absorb light energy in the wavelength range 
of visible region. Upon absorption of light by a pigment molecule, the energy of 
absorbed photon is transferred to the electron. Chromophore (molecule-specific 
structure) captures the energy and excites the electron, due to which it jumps to 
a higher orbital. The non-absorbed energy is reflected and/or refracted back, 
captured by the eye and generates neural impulses, which are interpreted as 
color in the brain. The absorbed light can be used by the plant for chemical 
reactions. 
On the basis of origin, pigments can be classified as natural, synthetic, or 
inorganic. A variety of different kinds of molecules constitute the plant pigments 
such as, chlorophylls, flavonoids,  porphyrins, carotenoids, phycobilins, 
anthocyanins and betalains, etc. All biological pigments selectively absorb 
certain wavelengths of light while reflecting others. 
 
 
Page 5


Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          1 
 
                                                                                                                                                      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discipline: Botany 
Paper: Plant physiology 
Lesson: Plant Pigments 
Lesson Developer: Ms. Dhara Arora
 
Department/College: Department of Botany,  
University of Delhi
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          2 
 
 
Table of contents 
Lesson: Plant pigments 
? Introduction 
? Carotenoids 
? Flavonoid/ Anthocyanins 
? Chlorophylls 
? Betalains 
? Summary 
? Exercise/ Practice 
? Glossary 
? References/ Weblinks 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          3 
 
 
Learning outcomes: 
The student will be able to 
? Learn about the principal plant pigments 
? Learn about various kinds of pigments and their occurrence in plants  
? Understand Structures and biosynthetic pathway of carotenoids  
? Understand role of carotenoids present in plants 
? Understand types of flavonoids and their biological significance 
? Learn about anthocyanins and their uses 
? Understand the structure of chloroplasst  
? Understand the significant role of chlorophylls in photosynthesis  
? Explain the entire biosynthetic pathway of betalains 
? Learn about the properties and applications of betalains 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          4 
 
 
Introduction 
Pigments are the molecules which absorb light energy in the wavelength range 
of visible region. Upon absorption of light by a pigment molecule, the energy of 
absorbed photon is transferred to the electron. Chromophore (molecule-specific 
structure) captures the energy and excites the electron, due to which it jumps to 
a higher orbital. The non-absorbed energy is reflected and/or refracted back, 
captured by the eye and generates neural impulses, which are interpreted as 
color in the brain. The absorbed light can be used by the plant for chemical 
reactions. 
On the basis of origin, pigments can be classified as natural, synthetic, or 
inorganic. A variety of different kinds of molecules constitute the plant pigments 
such as, chlorophylls, flavonoids,  porphyrins, carotenoids, phycobilins, 
anthocyanins and betalains, etc. All biological pigments selectively absorb 
certain wavelengths of light while reflecting others. 
 
 
Plant Pigments 
 
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi      
                                          5 
 
 
 
Figure: Some Major plant pigments 
 
Source:Author 
Some major plant pigments, their types and occurence 
Pigments Common types Occurrence color 
Chlorophylls Chlorophyll a, b Green plants Green 
Carotenoids 
Carotenes and 
xanthophylls 
Bacteria. Green plants 
(masked by chlorophyll), 
vegetables (carrots), fruits 
(mangoes). 
Orange, red, 
yellow, pink 
Flavonoids 
Anthocyanins, aurones, 
chalcones, flavonols and 
proanthocyanidins 
color production in flowers. 
Common in plants such as 
berries, citrus fruits, etc. 
Yellow, red, 
blue, purple 
Betalains 
Betacyanins and 
betaxanthins 
Flowers and fungi 
Red to violet, 
also yellow to 
orange 
 
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17 docs

FAQs on Lecture 2 - Plant Pigments - Plant Metabolism - Botany

1. What are plant pigments?
Ans. Plant pigments are natural compounds found in plants that are responsible for the coloration of various plant parts, such as flowers, fruits, and leaves. These pigments absorb and reflect certain wavelengths of light, giving plants their characteristic colors.
2. What are the different types of plant pigments?
Ans. There are several types of plant pigments, including chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. Chlorophylls are green pigments responsible for capturing light energy during photosynthesis. Carotenoids are yellow, orange, and red pigments that help in light absorption and protection against excessive light. Anthocyanins are responsible for red, blue, and purple colors in plants.
3. How do plant pigments contribute to photosynthesis?
Ans. Plant pigments, particularly chlorophylls, play a vital role in photosynthesis. They absorb light energy from the sun and convert it into chemical energy, which is used to produce glucose and oxygen. Without pigments, plants would not be able to perform photosynthesis and produce food.
4. Can plant pigments be used for medicinal purposes?
Ans. Yes, certain plant pigments have been found to possess medicinal properties. For example, some carotenoids, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit eye health. Anthocyanins have also shown potential in promoting cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of certain diseases.
5. How can plant pigments be extracted for various applications?
Ans. Plant pigments can be extracted using various methods, such as solvent extraction, steam distillation, and maceration. Solvent extraction involves using organic solvents to dissolve the pigments from the plant material. Steam distillation involves heating the plant material to release the pigments in the form of vapor. Maceration involves soaking the plant material in a solvent to allow the pigments to dissolve. These extracted pigments can then be used in various applications, such as food coloring, cosmetics, and natural dyes.
17 docs
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