lipochrome

Lipochrome is a general term used to describe lipid-soluble pigments. These are colored compounds found within living organisms that dissolve in fats and oils. The term itself originates from the Greek words "lipos" meaning fat and "chroma" meaning color. Lipochromes are responsible for a variety of colors seen in nature, from the hues of fruits and vegetables to the coloration of animal tissues.

One of the most well-known categories of lipochromes are carotenoids. These are yellow, orange, and red pigments produced by plants, algae, and some bacteria and fungi. They play crucial roles in photosynthesis by absorbing light energy and also serve as antioxidants. Animals can obtain carotenoids by consuming plant matter, and these pigments can then contribute to the coloration of animal tissues, such as the feathers of birds or the skin of fish.

Other examples of lipochromes include retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A and are important for vision, and some forms of melanin, although melanin is more broadly classified as a pigment with both lipid-soluble and water-soluble properties depending on its specific form. The presence and concentration of lipochromes can vary significantly between species and even within different tissues of the same organism, influencing appearance and physiological functions.