Red colour of tomato is due to

Options

A. phytochrome
B. anthocyanin
C. chromatochrome
D. lycopene

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Color Change in Tomatoes:**
- Tomatoes start off as green and change color as they ripen. This color change is a part of the ripening process.

2. **Role of Chlorophyll:**
- As tomatoes ripen, chlorophyll (the green pigment) breaks down. This breakdown is crucial because chlorophyll is responsible for the green color in unripe tomatoes.

3. **Synthesis of Red Pigments:**
- As chlorophyll breaks down, other pigments become more prominent. The primary pigment responsible for the red color in ripe tomatoes is lycopene.

4. **Identification of Lycopene:**
- Lycopene is a type of carotenoid, which is a class of pigments found in plants. It is specifically known for giving tomatoes their red color.

5. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, the red color of tomatoes is due to the presence of lycopene, a carotenoid pigment that becomes visible as the tomato ripens and chlorophyll degrades.

**Final Answer:**
The red color of tomato is due to lycopene.

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