Question

Red colour of beet root is due to

• A. Carotene
• B. Xanthophyll
• C. Anthocyanin
• D. Chlorophyll-b

Hint:

The distinctive red color of beetroot comes from betalains, specifically betacyanins. This is a different class of pigments from anthocyanins, although both can produce red/purple colors. If "betalain" isn't an option, "anthocyanin" might be chosen as a general red pigment, though it's not strictly accurate for beetroot.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The deep red-purple color of beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is due to a unique class of pigments called betalains. Betalains are further divided into two main groups:
Betacyanins: These are responsible for the red to violet colors (e.g., betanin in beetroot).
Betaxanthins: These impart yellow to orange colors. Now let's look at the options provided:
(1) Carotene: A type of carotenoid, typically responsible for orange, yellow, and red colors (e.g., in carrots). Not the primary pigment in beetroot.
(2) Xanthophyll: Another type of carotenoid, usually imparting yellow colors. Not the primary pigment in beetroot.
(3) Anthocyanin: These are flavonoid pigments responsible for red, purple, and blue colors in many plants (e.g., berries, red cabbage). While beetroot's primary red pigments are betacyanins (a type of betalain), betalains and anthocyanins are structurally distinct and do not occur together in the same plant. However, if "betalain" or "betacyanin" is not an option, and the question is looking for the general class of pigments causing red/purple colors, sometimes "anthocyanin" is chosen as the closest common red pigment, despite the specific biochemistry of beetroot. Given that anthocyanin is the selected answer, we assume the question is using it as a general term for red plant pigments or that specific beet varieties might have some anthocyanin, though betalains are dominant.
(4) Chlorophyll-b: A green pigment involved in photosynthesis. Ideally, "betacyanin" or "betalain" would be the most accurate answer. If these are not options, and "anthocyanin" is provided and indicated as correct, it highlights a common point of confusion or oversimplification. Beetroot red is due to betacyanins. However, if forced to choose from these options and (3) is the intended answer, it's based on the superficial similarity of color. For clarity: Beetroot red is from betacyanins (a type of betalain). Anthocyanins are a different class of red/purple pigments. If the provided answer is (3), it is botanically imprecise but might be accepted in a simplified context. Anthocyanin