Phycoerythrins

Definition

Phycoerythrins are a group of red and pink pigments found in cyanobacteria and red algae, which play a crucial role in capturing light energy for photosynthesis. These pigments absorb blue-green to yellow-green light, enhancing the efficiency of photosynthesis in deep water or low-light environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Phycoerythrins are essential accessory pigments that supplement chlorophyll by absorbing light wavelengths that chlorophyll cannot efficiently capture.
2. They are predominantly found in red algae (Rhodophyta) and some cyanobacteria, contributing to their distinctive coloration.
3. Phycoerythrins have a high fluorescence yield, making them useful as fluorescent markers in cell biology research.
4. The main types of phycoerythrins include R-phycoerythrin, B-phycoerythrin, and C-phycoerythrin, each with different absorption properties.
5. These pigments help organisms thrive in deeper or shaded aquatic environments where other wavelengths of light are less available.

Related terms

Chlorophyll:

A green pigment responsible for the absorption of light to provide energy for photosynthesis.

Phycobiliprotein: A family of water-soluble proteins that includes phycoerythrin, involved in capturing light energy.

Cyanobacteria:

A phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis and often contain phycoerythrins.