Yellow, orange, and red pigments found in plants that assist in photosynthesis and protect against light damage. They absorb light wavelengths that chlorophyll cannot and give color to many fruits, flowers, and autumn leaves.
From Latin 'carota' meaning 'carrot' and Greek suffix '-oid' meaning 'resembling.' The term was coined in the early 20th century after these pigments were first isolated from carrots, though they were later found throughout the plant kingdom.
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