xanthophyll
/ˈzanθə(ʊ)fɪl
/noun [mass noun] Biochemistry
A yellow or brown carotenoid plant pigment which causes the autumn colours of leaves.These are chlorophyll's shy cousins, the yellow pigment xanthophyll and the red-orange carotene....
- Remove both chlorophyll and the yellow pigment xanthophyll and the variegation is white.
- Concentrations of total carotenoids and total xanthophyll were greater for plants grown at low temperature.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Greek xanthos 'yellow' + phullon 'leaf'.