fucoxanthin (IMAGE) Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz Caption The brown color of diatoms is caused by the carotenoid fucoxanthin that absorbs green light and transfers the energy to chlorophylls for photosynthesis. The two newly engineered diatom mutants with impaired fucoxanthin biosynthesis are green-colored. Credit photo/©: Martin Lohr Usage Restrictions Credit must be given to the creator. Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted. No derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted. License CC BY-NC-ND Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.