Question

What is the colour of Xanthophyll?

Answer 1

Hint: Pigments are also known as biochromes. They are compounds produced by living things for various purposes. Pigments are coloured substances that give colour on which it is present. Pigments absorb or reflect wavelengths of light. Xanthophyll is an example of natural pigment.

Complete answer:
The term ‘Xanthophyll’ originated from the Greek word ‘xanthos’ meaning yellow and ‘phyllon’ meaning leaf. Xanthophylls are carotenoid pigments that contain oxygen. Xanthophylls are naturally occurring yellow coloured pigments. The molecular formula of xanthophyll is ${C_{40}}{H_{56}}{O_2}$.
Xanthophylls are mostly found in leaves of green plants. Animals derive xanthophylls from plants by consuming them. Xanthophylls has the following functions:
They protect the plants from photodamage.
They aid in the process of photosynthesis by trapping the sunlight.
Xanthophylls act as antioxidants.
Xanthophyll present in retina, protects our eyes from harmful UV-rays.
It stimulates our immune system to function efficiently.

Additional information:
Lutein is an example of xanthophyll. They are synthesized only by plants. Lutein is insoluble in polar solvent like water and soluble in fats. Lutein is used in dye industry. It protects our body from unstable free radicals. Lutein is abundantly found in orange-yellow fruits and green vegetables.

Note:
Xanthophylls are yellow coloured pigments that serve to protect the plants from intense light. Xanthophylls are oxygenated derivatives of carotenoids. The following are the sources of the pigment xanthophyll: green vegetables, corn, pumpkins, papayas, egg yolk, fish, seashells, peaches, mushrooms, etc. Some examples of xanthophylls are lutein, neoxanthin, flavoxanthin, zeaxanthin, $\alpha $-cryptoxanthin.