Re: HYB: pigments - review of plant parts

Or they may not have functions.  Just read an overview (Testing Darwin
by Carl Zimmer, Discover magazine, Feb 2005) about some interesting
research re: evolution using computer code as 'organisms'.  They found
that sometimes fairly complex bits and pieces of code evolve over time
that <are not> useful.  But they may (or may not) evolve into things
that turn out to be useful later, as the "organism" evolves.  (reminds
me of how I used to write manuscripts! :-()

So if the mechanisms for sticking molecules together is there, the plant
may just be making these pigments because it can, with modifications
over time.

A lot more interesting than plain ol' survival of the fittest.

Neil said:
<what role the various
                   pigments--Lycopene, various Carotenes, Anthocyanins,
Flavenols in general,
                   Xanthones, Xanthophylls, etc.--actually play INSIDE
the cell--they probably do
                   have functions--.>

--
Linda Mann east Tennessee USA zone 7/8
East Tennessee Iris Society <http://www.korrnet.org/etis>
American Iris Society web site <http://www.irises.org>
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