The red colour of tomato is due to the presence of which of the following compounds in it?

Correct option is B

The Correct Answer is (B)Lycopene

Explanation:

The red color of tomatoes is primarily due to the presence of lycopene, a type of carotenoid pigment. Lycopene is a red-orange pigment found in various fruits and vegetables, and it is particularly abundant in tomatoes. This compound is not only responsible for the color but also contributes to the health benefits of tomatoes, as it has antioxidant properties.

Information Booster:

1. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and is known for its potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and heart disease.

2. It is a carotenoid and is found in high concentrations in tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit.

3. Lycopene is fat-soluble, meaning it is better absorbed by the body when consumed with some amount of fat.

4. It has strong antioxidant properties, which help in neutralizing free radicals in the body.

5. The red color produced by lycopene is particularly noticeable when tomatoes are fully ripe.

Additional Information:

•  Lutein: (Incorrect.) Lutein is another carotenoid, but it is responsible for the yellow-green color in some vegetables like spinach and kale.

•  Flavones: (Incorrect) Flavones are a class of plant compounds that contribute to yellow and white pigments in plants, not red.

•  β-carotene: (Incorrect) β-carotene is responsible for the orange color in some fruits and vegetables, like carrots, but not the red color of tomatoes.