Which of the following pigments are responsible to determine the colours of fruits and vegetables?

Correct option is B

The correct is (b) Anthocyanins.

Explanation:

Anthocyanins are natural pigments that determine the colors of fruits and vegetables.

• These pigments belong to the flavonoid group and are responsible for the red, blue, purple, and violet hues found in many fruits and vegetables.
• Their color varies depending on the pH of the plant tissue:
• Acidic pH → Red (e.g., strawberries, cherries).
• Neutral pH → Purple (e.g., grapes, eggplant).
• Alkaline pH → Blue (e.g., blueberries).

Information Booster:

Other Pigments in Fruits & Vegetables:

• Chlorophyll – Green colour (found in leafy vegetables like spinach).
• Carotenoids – Yellow, orange, and red hues (found in carrots, tomatoes).
• Flavonoids – Various colours including white and yellow (found in onions and apples).

Health Benefits of Anthocyanins:

• Antioxidant properties – Help in reducing oxidative stress.
• Heart health – Improve cardiovascular function.
• Anti-inflammatory effects – Help in reducing inflammation-related diseases.

Additional Knowledge:

Hemocyanin is a blue respiratory pigment found in arthropods and mollusks, not plants.

Indocyanine is a synthetic dye used in medical imaging, not a natural plant pigment.

Merocyanine is a synthetic dye used in chemistry, not responsible for fruit and vegetable colours.