Cyanobacteria species name

Pigments are compounds that give colour to materials around us. The substances that give this colour are also termed as biochromes or biological pigments. They are usually insoluble in water and are of two types – organic (natural) and inorganic (synthetic). Photosynthetic pigments are a type of natural pigment that helps in the process of photosynthesis. Here, let’s discuss more about the different types of photosynthetic pigments.

Table of Contents

Photosynthetic Pigments

Photosynthetic pigments are the most important coloured components of the chloroplast lamellae. These pigments are molecules that strongly absorb visible light. They interact with sunlight to alter the wavelengths that are either reflected or transmitted by the plant tissue. These pigments are also found in cyanobacteria and algae.

Groups of Pigments

The major groups of photosynthetic pigments are:

1. Chlorophyll
2. Carotenoids
3. Phycobilins
4. Flavonoids

Chlorophyll