Table of Contents
Chromatophores Definition:
Chromatophores are pigment cells in animals that are responsible for color changes in the skin. They are found in the dermis and can be activated to change color in response to various stimuli, such as emotions, temperature, and sunlight.
Classification:
There are three types of chromatophores:
1. Iridophores: These cells contain reflective platelets that can change their orientation to reflect different colors.
2. Melanophores: These cells contain melanin, which is responsible for the dark colors of the skin.
3. xanthophores: These cells contain carotenoids, which are responsible for the yellow and orange colors of the skin.
Xanthophores and Erythrophores
Xanthophores are pigment cells that produce yellow pigment. They are found in the dermis (inner layer of the skin) and are responsible for the skin’s yellow color.
Erythrophores are pigment cells that produce red pigment. They are found in the dermis and are responsible for the skin’s red color.
Iridophores and Leucophores
Iridophores are cells in fish skin that contain pigment granules that reflect light. This gives fish their iridescent colours. The pigment granules in iridophores can be arranged in a variety of ways, which gives different fish different colours.
Leucophores are cells in fish skin that contain pigment granules that absorb light. This gives fish their white or silvery colours. The pigment granules in leucophores can be arranged in a variety of ways, which gives different fish different colours.
Melanophores
are cells in the skin that produce the pigment melanin. Melanin gives skin its color and helps protect it from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Melanophores are activated by the hormone melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland.
Cyanophores
are the light-emitting organelles found in some algae and bacteria. They are responsible for the blue-green color of these organisms. Cyanophores are composed of two types of proteins, phycobilins and phycoerythrin. Phycobilins are responsible for the blue color, while phycoerythrin is responsible for the red color.
Chromatophores in Bacteria
Chromatophores are pigment-containing organelles found in the cells of photosynthetic bacteria. The primary function of chromatophores is to absorb light energy and convert it into chemical energy that can be used by the cell to produce ATP. Chromatophores also play a role in photosynthesis by providing protection against photo-damage.
Chromatophores Function
Chromatophores are pigment cells in the skin of animals that can change color. They are used for camouflage, communication, and temperature regulation. Chromatophores contain melanin, a pigment that absorbs light. When the pigment cells are contracted, the melanin is concentrated and the cells appear dark. When the cells are expanded, the melanin is dispersed and the cells appear light.
