Question

Which of the following is a red-orange pigment of carrot roots?
A. Alpha-carotene
B. Beta-carotene
C. Violaxanthin
D. Fucoxanthin

Answer 1

The red-orange pigments which are found in the plants and fruits are due to the presence of beta carotene because they absorb a certain wavelength of light more efficiently than the other pigments

Complete solution: The yellow, orange, and brown pigments that strongly absorb the light in their blue-violet region are the Carotenoids, these are mainly of two types that are carotenes and xanthophylls. The carotenoids are orange in color and are the hydrocarbons. The beta- carotene is the most common carotene which is converted to vitamin A on hydrolysis by animals and humans. Beta- carotene usually presents fifty percent of the carotenoid content. It is found in plants and fruits but is especially found in carrots and many colorful vegetables. The beta- carotenes are mainly made up of the two retinyl groups which are broken down in the mucosa and the small intestine.

Hence the correct option is ‘B’.

Note: The beta- carotene is also an antioxidant, the fruits, and vegetables that have these pigments are rich in Vitamin A. It is also used to help people regain their lung strength as the person grows old. They are the precursor of vitamin A, which helps to build good immunity, good eye vision, and health, protect against free radicals and also have a low risk of developing cancer or diseases which are related to the heart.