What are Chromophores?
A chromophore is a part of a molecule that is responsible for its color. It is the portion of the molecule that absorbs light and causes the molecule to appear colored. Chromophores are typically made up of atoms or groups of atoms that have a particular electronic configuration, which allows them to absorb specific wavelengths of light.
For example, in the case of DNA, the chromophore is the purine and pyrimidine bases, which absorb ultraviolet light and give DNA its characteristic blue color. In proteins, the chromophores are often the aromatic amino acids, such as tyrosine and tryptophan, which can absorb visible light and give the protein a yellow or red color.
Chromophores play an important role in many biological processes, including photosynthesis, where they absorb light energy and convert it into chemical energy. They also play a role in the structure and function of many biomolecules, such as DNA and proteins, where their color can provide important information about the molecule's properties and function.