Kromofóry

Kromofóry are specialized pigment-containing cells found in various organisms, primarily in animals and plants. In animals, such as cephalopods, crustaceans, and some fish, kromofóry are responsible for rapid color changes. These cells contain sacs of pigment that can be expanded or contracted by muscular or nervous control, altering the animal's appearance for camouflage, communication, or display. The pigments themselves are diverse, including melanins, carotenoids, and pteridines, each contributing to a specific color.

In plants and some microorganisms, kromofóry are associated with light absorption for photosynthesis. These structures often contain chlorophyll or other photosynthetic pigments. While the term kromofór is more commonly associated with the active color-changing cells in animals, it can broadly refer to any cellular component that imparts color through the presence of pigment. The study of kromofóry is relevant to fields such as biology, optics, and material science, particularly in understanding natural color production and developing synthetic analogues. Their ability to dynamically alter color makes them a subject of significant scientific interest.