Chlorophyll or melanin (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: PIGMENT
Chlorophyll or melanin (7) represents a construction-focused crossword puzzle clue where PIGMENT serves as the precise seven-letter answer.
The answer to the "Chlorophyll or melanin (7)" crossword clue is "PIGMENT," which refers to a substance that gives color to tissues in plants and animals, such as chlorophyll in plants or melanin in the skin.
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Chlorophyll or Melanin (7)
- The answer to "Chlorophyll or melanin (7)" is PIGMENT - a seven-letter word that perfectly describes both these naturally occurring coloring substances.
- Pigments are molecules that absorb specific wavelengths of light, creating the colors we see in living organisms and synthetic materials.
Crossword Strategy: Recognizing Pigment Clues
- "Natural coloring substance" - often PIGMENT
- "Artist's material" - could be OCHRE, SIENNA, or PIGMENT
- "Chlorophyll, for example" - typically PIGMENT
- "Melanin or carotene" - usually PIGMENT
Related Terms and crossword clue:
- DYE (3 letters): Soluble coloring agent
- OCHRE (5 letters): Natural earth pigment
- SIENNA (6 letters): Brown earth pigment
- UMBER (5 letters): Natural brown pigment
- HENNA (5 letters): Natural red-orange dye
Chlorophyll or melanin (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q:What's the difference between pigments and dyes?
A: Pigments are insoluble particles that provide color by reflecting specific wavelengths of light, while dyes are soluble molecules that impart color by absorbing into materials. Pigments typically offer better lightfastness and durability than dyes.
Q:Why do leaves change color in autumn?
A: Autumn color changes occur when chlorophyll pigment breaks down, revealing underlying carotenoid pigments (yellows and oranges) and newly synthesized anthocyanin pigments (reds and purples) that were previously masked by the dominant green chlorophyll.
Q:How do animals use pigments for survival?
A: Animals employ pigments for camouflage, warning signals, mate attraction, and UV protection. Chameleons use chromatophores containing different pigments to change color, while many birds display brilliant pigmentation for courtship displays.
Q:Can humans produce their own pigments?
A: Humans naturally produce melanin for skin, hair, and eye coloration. However, humans cannot synthesize other pigments like carotenoids, which must be obtained through diet to contribute to skin tone and eye health.
