Which water-soluble pigment belonging to a phenolic group is present in pomegranate, eggplant, black carrots and red cabbage?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Anthocyanins.
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Anthocyanins are water-soluble, phenolic pigments (a subclass of flavonoids) responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors in pomegranate, eggplant (brinjal), black carrots, and red cabbage.
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pH-Dependent: Their color shifts with pH (e.g., red in acidic conditions, blue in alkaline).
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Health Benefits: Act as antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Why not others?
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Phycoerythrin & Phycobilins: Found in algae/cyanobacteria (e.g., red algae), not higher plants.
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Betalains: Found in beetroot/amaranth (chemically distinct; replace anthocyanins in some plants like Caryophyllales).