Tomato red colour is due to which pigment?
a) Anthocyanin
b) Lycopene
c) Carotene
d) Xanthine
1 Answer
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Tomato red colour is due to which pigment?
a) Anthocyanin
b) Lycopene
c) Carotene
d) Xanthine
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Answer: b
Explanation:
In the ripening process, tomatoes change their color from green to yellowish and finally turn to full red colour. This gradual change in tomato color is mainly because of chlorophyll breakdown. The carotenoid especially lycopene is the main compound that provides red color to tomatoes. This compound is synthesized as a result of the breakdown of chlorophyll during ripening.
This compound also provides red color to other fruits and vegetables which include watermelons, red oranges, pink grapefruits, apricots, rosehips, guavas, carrots, and yellow sweet potatoes.
Lycopene is an organic compound that is insoluble in water but can be dissolved in organic solvents. Hence, if you keep tomato sauce in plastic plates or bottles for some time, then it is absorbed into them and turns them into orange colour.