Etiolin

/ˈɛtiːoʊlɪn/ noun

Definition

A pale, yellowish pigment that appears in plant leaves when they develop in darkness, lacking the green chlorophyll that forms in sunlight.

Etymology

From etiolate (to pale/blanch) + -in (chemical compound suffix). The name literally means 'the substance of paleness' in plants.

Kelly Says

Etiolin is like a plant's 'emergency outfit'—when a seedling sprouts in the dark, this yellow pigment appears instead of chlorophyll, giving botanists a visible sign that the plant is stressed.

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