Phycobilins

Phycobilins are natural molecules found in certain algae and cyanobacteria that act as pigments, capturing light energy for photosynthesis. They are responsible for the distinctive colors seen in these organisms, such as red, blue, or purple hues. Structurally related to heme (the pigment in blood), phycobilins absorb specific wavelengths of light, helping these microorganisms maximize light absorption in aquatic environments where light conditions can be limited or filtered. This efficient light capture allows algae and cyanobacteria to produce energy vital for their growth and survival.