Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the class of plant pigments responsible for the blue and purple colors often seen in fruits like berries.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's review the colors associated with each pigment class:
Carotenoids: These pigments are responsible for yellow, orange, and red colors. Examples include carotene in carrots and lycopene in tomatoes. They do not produce blue or purple hues.
Anthocyanins: These are water-soluble flavonoid pigments that appear red, purple, blue, or black depending on the pH. They are the primary pigments responsible for the coloration of many fruits and flowers, including blueberries, blackberries, grapes, and purple cabbage.
Isoflavanoids: These are a class of flavonoids that are typically colorless or pale yellow. They are known more for their biological activities (e.g., as phytoestrogens) than as vibrant pigments.
Aurones: These are a class of flavonoids that produce golden yellow colors in some flowers.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The blue and purple colors in berries are due to the presence of anthocyanins.