Learning about chlorophyll and anthocyanins as potential indicators of plant physiological state

Currently, increased crop yield is direly needed considering the ever-increasing world population and climate change. Crops growth and production is mainly dependent upon their physiological state and vigor. Several forms of plant pigments exist naturally. They are categorized into four major groups: namely betalains (betacyanins, betaxanthins), carotenoids (carotenes, xanthophylls), chlorophylls (Chl a and b), and flavonoids (anthocyanins, aurones, chalcones, flavonols, proanthocyanidins). Out of all these, Chlorophylls (Chl) and Anthocyanins (Anth) are the two most important plant pigments that provide valuable insight into the plant physiological state. Primary function of Chl is the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy that is further utilized in the photosynthetic process, whereas Anth are multifunctional molecules that apart from coloration of plant organs also play an important role in stress mitigation. This study might serve as a guide for students interested to learn about plant physiology.