Peonidin

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/peonidin

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 chemical classification?An O-methylated anthocyanidin, a derivative of cyanidin
2. What is the primary dietary source?Raw cranberries, with significant amounts also found in blueberries, plums, and cherries
3. What is peonidin and why does it make flowers colorful?Peonidin is a natural pigment found in many plants. It belongs to a group called anthocyanidins and gives flowers and berries bright red, purple, or blue colors.
4. How does peonidin change color when the pH changes?When the environment is very acidic, peonidin looks cherry red. As the pH becomes less acidic, it shifts to yellowish pink, then to grape red-purple at neutral pH, and finally to deep blue when it becomes alkaline. It stays stable even at higher pH levels.

Chromophore: The part of a molecule responsible for its color by absorbing specific wavelengths of light.
Conjugated System: A system of alternating single and double bonds in a molecule that allows for electron delocalization.
Bioavailability: The proportion of a substance that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is able to have an active effect.
Apoptotic Effects: Causing programmed cell death, a natural process that eliminates damaged or unwanted cells.