xanthophyl
Definition
Noun: 1. A yellow carotenoid pigment: A naturally occurring yellow pigment belonging to the carotenoid class, found in the leaves of plants, some algae, and bacteria, as well as in animal fats and egg yolks. It is an oxygen-containing derivative of carotenes.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The vibrant yellow and orange colors of autumn leaves are partly due to the presence of xanthophyll.
- Lutein, a specific type of xanthophyll, is important for eye health.
- The xanthophyll content in egg yolks contributes to their yellow color.
Advanced Usage
- In Biology: Xanthophylls, along with chlorophylls and carotenes, are crucial accessory pigments in photosynthesis, helping to absorb light energy and protect plant tissues from photodamage.
- In Nutrition: Certain xanthophylls, like lutein and zeaxanthin, are classified as dietary carotenoids with antioxidant properties and are studied for their role in human health, particularly for the eyes.
Variants and Related Words
- Xanthophyll (noun): The more common alternate spelling of the word.
- Lutein (noun): A specific, common xanthophyll found in green leafy vegetables and egg yolks.
- Zeaxanthin (noun): Another specific xanthophyll, often found alongside lutein in nature and in the human eye.
- Carotenoid (noun): The broader class of pigments to which xanthophylls belong.
Synonyms
- Yellow pigment: A general descriptive term.
- Oxycarotenoid: A more technical term highlighting the oxygen content in its molecular structure.
Related Phrases
- Accessory pigment: A phrase describing the functional role of xanthophylls in photosynthesis.
Noun
-
yellow carotenoid pigments in plants and animal fats and egg yolks
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