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pigment

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

The pigment is a substance that gives colour to other materials by absorbing some wavelengths of light and reflecting others. Pigments are made up of tiny particles that are too small to see with the naked eye.

The colour of a pigment is determined by the wavelengths of light that it absorbs. For example, chlorophyll absorbs all wavelengths of light except green, which is why plants appear green. Carotene absorbs all wavelengths of light except orange, which is why carrots and tomatoes appear orange.

Pigments are used in a variety of products, including paints, dyes, inks, and cosmetics. They are also used in foods and beverages to add colour and flavour.

How can the word be used?

The pigments in the paint were so vibrant that they looked like they were alive.

pigment

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • pigment (a substance that gives colour to other materials).
  • pigmentation (the process of giving colour to something).

Verb:

  • pigment (to give colour to something).

Etymology

The word "pigment" comes from the Latin word "pigmentum", which also means "colouring matter".

The word "pigment" was first used in English in the 14th century. It was used to refer to any substance that could be used to give colour to something.

The root of the word "pigment" is the Latin word "pingere", which means "to paint". The word "pingere" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *peig-, which also means "to paint".

So, the word "pigment" literally means "something that is used to paint". This is a reference to the fact that pigments are used to give colour to things, such as paints, dyes, and cosmetics.

Question

What is pigment?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Define the term "pigment" and explain its role in colouring various biological structures. Provide examples of pigments found in plants and animals, and discuss how these pigments contribute to their functions and adaptations.

Answer:

A pigment is a coloured molecule or compound that absorbs and reflects specific wavelengths of light, giving colour to biological structures. Pigments play a crucial role in various organisms, contributing to functions, camouflage, and attraction.

In plants, chlorophyll is a prominent pigment responsible for the green colour of leaves. It plays a vital role in photosynthesis by absorbing light energy for the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

In animals, melanin is a common pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye colour. It also provides protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Carotenoids, found in plants and animals, produce vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues. For example, flamingos' pink colouration is due to their diet rich in carotenoid-containing organisms.

Camouflage is another role of pigments. Animals like chameleons use pigments to change their skin colour to blend with their surroundings, aiding in predator avoidance and hunting.

Pigments are integral to signalling in organisms as well. Brightly coloured flowers attract pollinators like bees, while peacocks' colourful tail feathers are used for mate selection.