phycobilin
/ˌfaɪkoʊˈbaɪlɪn/
noun
- A type of pigment found in cyanobacteria and some algae that helps capture light energy for photosynthesis.
- The bright blue color of some spirulina products comes from a phycobilin called phycocyanin.
- Phycobilins give red algae their characteristic color.
- Scientists study phycobilins to understand how plants and bacteria harvest light.
Synonyms