Final answer:
Jaundice is caused by an accumulation of bile pigments in the blood, most notably bilirubin. Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells, breaks down to produce bilirubin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jaundice is caused by an accumulation of bile pigments in the blood. One of the main pigments associated with jaundice is bilirubin. When the concentration of this pigment exceeds the capacity of the liver to excrete it, it enters the bloodstream and causes yellowing of the tissues, resulting in jaundice. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that breaks down to produce bilirubin.