Phycoerythrin
/ˌfaɪkoʊˈɛrɪθrɪn/noun
A red, light-absorbing protein pigment found mainly in red algae and cyanobacteria.
Did you know?Phycoerythrin fluoresces vivid red-orange under suitable light, making organisms containing it appear to possess an almost supernatural inner glow.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁rewdʰ-
“Red or ruddy; the ancient root behind the erythros element”
Ancient Greek
Greek
phŷkos
“Seaweed, especially algae”
Ancient Greek
Greek
erythrós
“Red”
19th Century
Scientific Greek
phyco- + erythro-
“A scientific compound meaning algae- or seaweed-red”
19th Century
Scientific English
phycoerythrin
“A red pigment associated with algae”
Modern English
English
phycoerythrin
“A red phycobiliprotein involved in capturing light for photosynthesis”