Carotenoids

Definition

Fat-soluble pigments found in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, playing a crucial role in photosynthesis. They are also present in some animals, including arthropods, derived from their diet.

Etymology

From Greek 'karoton', meaning 'carrot', and 'oid', meaning 'like' or 'resembling'.

Example

Carotenoids are responsible for the red, orange, and yellow colors in many fruits and vegetables, and can also tint the exoskeletons of some arthropods.

Related Terms

• Pigments
• Photosynthesis
• Chloroplasts