Final answer:
Lycopene, which gives tomatoes their red color, is classified as a carotenoid. It is also a polyene involved in photosynthesis by absorbing excess energy in plants and has health benefits in humans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lycopene is classified as a carotenoid. Carotenoids are a large group of pigments found in the plant kingdom, responsible for the bright red, orange, and yellow colors of many fruits and vegetables. Within this group, lycopene contributes the red color to tomatoes. Carotenoids, including lycopene, play a role in photosynthesis as photosynthetic pigments, absorbing excess energy to prevent damage to plants that occurs when they are exposed to full sun. Additionally, carotenoids like ß-carotene are essential in human health, as they can be converted to vitamin A which is necessary for good vision. Lycopene is also a polyene, which means it is built up of multiple double bonds within its chemical structure, contributing to its effectiveness as a pigment.