Definition
Phycocyanin is a blue pigment belonging to the phycobilin family, found in cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and some red algae 💙. It functions as an accessory pigment in photosynthesis, capturing light energy and passing it on to chlorophyll. Imagine phycocyanin as an antenna that specifically captures yellow-orange and red light. Because it absorbs yellow-orange and red light, cyanobacteria can thrive under different light conditions. Phycocyanin plays a crucial role in the photosynthetic process in these aquatic environments, helping them thrive in diverse light conditions.