Question

A member of a group of pigments in foods that range in color from light yellow to reddish orange and are chemical relatives of beta-carotene. Many have a degree of vitamin A activity in the body is __________

Answer 1

Carotenoids are the group of pigments in foods that range from yellow to orange and serve as precursors to vitamin A in the body, such as beta-carotene.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pigments you’re referring to are called carotenoids, which are not only responsible for the vibrant colors in foods ranging from light yellow to reddish orange but also serve as precursors to vitamin A in the body. One familiar type is beta-carotene, found in carrots, which the body can convert to vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin, bones, and teeth, and is crucial for good vision. Carotenoids can also function as photosynthetic pigments, efficiently disposing of excess energy in photosynthesis that could otherwise harm the plant when leaves are exposed to full sunlight by absorbing this energy and dissipating it as heat.