Phycobilin

Phycobilin is a type of photosynthetic pigment found in cyanobacteria and red algae. These pigments are water-soluble and are located in the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast. Phycobilins are responsible for the vibrant colors of these organisms and play a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis.

Types of Phycobilin

There are two main types of phycobilin: Phycoerythrin and Phycocyanin.

Phycoerythrin is a red pigment that absorbs blue light, which penetrates water to a greater depth than other wavelengths. This allows organisms containing phycoerythrin to perform photosynthesis at greater depths.

Phycocyanin is a blue pigment that absorbs orange and red light. It is found in greater quantities in organisms that live in shallow water, where these wavelengths are more prevalent.

Role in Photosynthesis

Phycobilins play a crucial role in the process of photosynthesis. They absorb light energy and pass it on to chlorophyll, the pigment that actually carries out the conversion of light energy into chemical energy. This process is known as energy transfer.

Applications

Phycobilins have a variety of applications in scientific research and industry. They are used as fluorescent markers in immunology, cell biology, and microbiology. In addition, they are used in the food industry as natural colorants.

See Also

• Chlorophyll
• Photosynthesis
• Cyanobacteria
• Red algae