fykobilinit

Fykobilinit is a term sometimes used colloquially to refer to phycobilins, which are protein-based pigments found in cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae. Phycobilins are integral to the photosynthetic process in these organisms. They are part of a larger complex called phycobilisomes, which are attached to the thylakoid membranes within the chloroplasts. These pigments act as accessory light-harvesting complexes, capturing light energy and transferring it to chlorophyll molecules for photosynthesis.

There are several types of phycobilins, each with distinct absorption and emission spectra, allowing organisms to utilize a broader range of the light spectrum. The main types include phycoerythrins, which absorb green and yellow light, and phycocyanins, which absorb orange and red light. In some cyanobacteria, allophycocyanins are also present and play a crucial role in transferring energy to the reaction center. The vibrant colors of many algae, such as the red hues of some red algae and the blue-green of cyanobacteria, are largely due to the presence and abundance of these phycobilin pigments. While "fykobilinit" is not a standard scientific term, it likely originates from a transliteration or alternative spelling of phycobilin, reflecting its algal origin.