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Meaning of cryptochrome in English:

cryptochrome

Pronunciation /ˈkrɪptə(ʊ)krəʊm/

noun

Biochemistry

  • 1 rare A carotenoid pigment found in plants which is sensitive to blue light.

    Cryptochrome is an epoxide derivative of cryptoxanthin.

  • 2Any of a group of blue-sensitive photopigments (flavoproteins) which are involved in mediating circadian and seasonal activity in plants.

Origin

1940s (in an earlier sense). From crypto- + -chrome, after German Kryptochrom.