Definition
phycocyanin
noun
- A blue protein pigment found in cyanobacteria and red algae that functions in photosynthesis by absorbing light energy.
Usage: technical; biology
Examples
- Phycocyanin gives cyanobacteria their characteristic blue-green color.
- Scientists extracted phycocyanin from algae to study its light-absorbing properties.
- The phycocyanin in red algae helps capture wavelengths of light that chlorophyll cannot.
- Phycocyanin is used as a natural food colorant and fluorescent marker in research.
- The structure of phycocyanin allows it to transfer energy efficiently during photosynthesis.