Flavonoids are a large group of plant-produced compounds involved in pigmentation, signalling, antioxidant activity, and protection from environmental stress. They include compounds such as anthocyanins, which produce red, purple, and blue colours, and other flavonoids that can absorb ultraviolet radiation and help protect plant tissues from UV damage.
Flavonoid production can change in response to light, particularly UV-B and blue light, as well as wounding, pathogens, and other stresses. They are secondary metabolites, meaning they are not directly required for basic processes such as photosynthesis or respiration but contribute to plant protection, development, and interactions with the environment.
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