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Phycocyanin

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

Phycocyanin is a blue pigment-protein complex from the light-harvesting phycobiliprotein family, found in cyanobacteria. It plays a crucial role in capturing light energy for photosynthesis.

AP course connection

Topic 4.3: 4.3 Nonproteobacteria Gram-Negative Bacteria and Phototrophic Bacteria

Unit 4

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Phycocyanin absorbs orange and red light, particularly around 620 nm wavelength.
  2. It is commonly found in cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.
  3. Phycocyanin is water-soluble and can be used as a natural dye in food and cosmetics.
  4. This pigment contributes to the characteristic blue-green color of cyanobacteria.
  5. Phycocyanin forms complexes with other phycobiliproteins to create phycobilisomes, which are essential for efficient energy transfer during photosynthesis.
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