Biological pigment

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/biological-pigment

1. What is the molecular basis?
2. What is the primary pigment classes?
3. What are biological pigments and why do they make plants and animals colorful?
4. How do chlorophyll and carotenoids help plants survive?

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the molecular basis?Conjugated pi electron systems that absorb specific visible light wavelengths
2. What is the primary pigment classes?Chlorophylls, Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Pterins, Hemoproteins
3. What are biological pigments and why do they make plants and animals colorful?Biological pigments are special organic molecules that have alternating single and double bonds. They absorb certain colors of light, so the light that bounces back or goes through looks colorful to us.
4. How do chlorophyll and carotenoids help plants survive?Chlorophyll captures light energy for photosynthesis, letting plants grow. Carotenoids also help by protecting cells from damage caused by bright light.

Conjugated System: A system of alternating single and double bonds in a molecule, enabling electron delocalization.
Aposematic Coloration: Conspicuous coloration or patterns on an animal that warns predators of toxicity or danger.
Nutraceuticals: Food or food products that provide health and medical benefits in addition to basic nutritional value.