Question

Red colour in algae is due to the presence of ______.

Answer 1

Red algae:

1. Red algae and cyanobacteria both contain phycoerythrin, which reflects red light.
2. Phycoerythrin is a phycobiliprotein protein that functions as an accessory pigment for photosynthesis in Rhodophyta.
3. Along with chlorophyll-a, for photosynthesis, the red pigment phycoerythrin can absorb the blue-green spectrum of light from the deep seas.
4. More phycoerythrin is formed in deep waters than chlorophyll, making red algae appear redder.

Final Answer: Red colour in algae is due to the presence of Phycoerythrin or phycocyanin.