Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
phycocyanin

phycocyanin

9.9
A blue substance in some algae that helps them make food from light
  • noun
  • /faɪkoʊˈsaɪənɪn/
  • Specialized
: ficocianina
  • The phycocyanin in spirulina gives it a vibrant blue color.

Examples

  • The deep blue color in some lakes is caused by phycocyanin, a pigment found in cyanobacteria.

  • Scientists isolated phycocyanin from the blue-green algae for laboratory analysis.

  • Researchers are studying phycocyanin for its potential antioxidant properties.

  • The deep blue color in some lakes is due to the presence of phycocyanin produced by cyanobacteria.

  • Many health supplements contain phycocyanin for its antioxidant properties.

  • Scientists isolated phycocyanin from the blue-green algae to study its role in photosynthesis.

  • Many health supplements include phycocyanin because of its potential benefits for health.

Synonyms

phycoerythrin
vsphycocyanin
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A red protein in some seaweeds that helps them use light to make food

is blue rather than red in color appearance
phycobilin
vsphycocyanin
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A colored substance in some algae and blue-green bacteria that helps them use light to make food

is a specific protein complex rather than a general pigment

Surface Forms

phycocyanin singular
phycocyanins plural

Morphology

phycocyanin = phyco + cyanin

The components 'phyco' and 'cyanin' are not standalone English words, and their meanings are not transparent to an average English learner.

Etymology

The word phycocyanin comes from phyco- meaning 'algae' and cyanin from a word meaning 'blue', the same root as cyan. So phycocyanin is a blue substance made by algae, which is why it gives a deep blue color and helps in photosynthesis.