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Question

The _______ are the compound lipids and they form the pigments of the animal and plant cells.

The correct answer is

Carotenoids

Let's understand the different types of substances mentioned and their roles as pigments.

Understanding Compound Lipids and Pigments

The question asks about compound lipids that function as pigments in both animal and plant cells. Lipids are a diverse group of organic compounds that are insoluble or sparingly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Compound lipids are lipids that contain components other than just fatty acids and glycerol (like phospholipids, glycolipids, and lipoproteins).

Pigments are substances that absorb light of certain wavelengths and reflect others, which makes them appear colored.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option:

  • Carotenoids: These are a class of pigments found widely in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. They are also found in some animals (like birds, insects, and crustaceans) where they are often acquired from the diet and stored or modified. Chemically, carotenoids are isoprenoid lipids. They are responsible for many yellow, orange, and red colors in nature, such as the color of carrots, tomatoes, and autumn leaves. They fit the description of being compound lipids and pigments found in both plant and animal systems.
  • Chlorophyll: This is the main pigment used by plants to absorb light energy for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is a porphyrin ring structure containing a magnesium atom, attached to a long hydrocarbon tail (phytol). While it is a pigment essential in plant cells, it is not classified as a lipid.
  • Xanthophylls: These are a specific type of carotenoid pigment. While they are indeed compound lipids and pigments found in plants (and sometimes animals), the term "Carotenoids" is a broader category that includes Xanthophylls (which contain oxygen) and Carotenes (which are pure hydrocarbons). The question asks for the substance type, and Carotenoids is the overarching class that fits.
  • Anthocyanine: These are water-soluble pigments found in the vacuoles of plant cells. They are responsible for many red, purple, and blue colors in fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Anthocyanins are flavonoids, which are a type of polyphenol; they are not lipids.

Identifying the Correct Compound Lipids

Based on the analysis:

  • Carotenoids are compound lipids and function as pigments in both plants and animals.
  • Chlorophyll is a pigment found in plants but is not a lipid.
  • Xanthophylls are a type of carotenoid, so while they fit the description, Carotenoids is the broader and more appropriate answer.
  • Anthocyanine are pigments found in plants but are not lipids.

Therefore, Carotenoids are the compound lipids that serve as pigments in animal and plant cells.

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Important Questions from Plant Physiology

  1. Cambium is an example of

  2. Cambium is an example of

  3. How do carbon-di-oxide and oxygen move into and out of a mesophyll cell?

  4. Which branch of botany is concerned with the study of photosynthesis?

  5. Which pigment is essential for nitrogen fixation by leguminous plants?

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