The red color of beetroot is due to the presence of:
The red color of beetroot is due to the presence of:
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
Beetroot pigment — betalains:The red/purple/violet colour of beetroot (Beta vulgaris) comes from BETALAINS, not anthocyanins (as is often mistakenly assumed):• Betalains: nitrogen-containing water-soluble pigments unique to plants of the order Caryophyllales.- Betacyanins: red/violet pigments (e.g., betanin, the main pigment in red beetroot)- Betaxanthins: yellow/orange pigments• Anthocyanins: produced by most other plants (blueberries, red cabbage) for similar colours; but NOT produced by Caryophyllales plants (mutual exclusivity).Biotechnological applications of betalains:• Natural food colourant (E162)• Antioxidant properties• Potential anti-cancer activityBetalains are water-soluble, pH-stable (unlike anthocyanins which change colour with pH), and heat-sensitive.Answer: Beetroot's red colour comes from BETALAINS (specifically betacyanins like betanin), NOT anthocyanins.