Dinoflagellates are marine phototrophs responsible for the toxic red tide blooms. What pigments confer the red color to these organisms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carotenoids are the pigments responsible for the red color in dinoflagellates. They absorb blue and green light and reflect red light. Chlorophyll also contributes to the color but its green color is masked by carotenoids in these organisms. Rhodopsin is a pigment found in the eye of some animals, tannins are a group of bitter polyphenolic compounds found in plants, and anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments found in some fruits and flowers.

Dinoflagellates Are Marine Phototrophs Responsible for the Toxic Red Tide