noun
Biochemistry1 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.
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