Lycopene the structure of the molecule was determined by 1931. In its natural, all-"trans" form, the molecule is long and straight, constrained by its system of 11 conjugated double bonds. Each extension in this conjugated system reduces the energy required for electrons to transition to higher energy states, allowing the molecule to absorb visible light of progressively longer wavelengths. Lycopene absorbs all but the longest wavelengths of visible light, so it appears red. Plants and photosynthetic bacteria naturally produce all-"trans" lycopene. When exposed to light or heat, lycopene can undergo isomerization to any of a number of "cis"-isomers, which have a
Budgerigar colour genetics Budgerigar colour genetics The science of budgerigar colour genetics deals with the heredity of mutations which cause colour variation in the feathers of the species known scientifically as "Melopsittacus undulatus". Birds of this species are commonly known by the terms 'budgerigar', or informally just 'budgie'. The wildtype (natural-coloured or wild occurring) budgerigar's colour is called Lightgreen. The feathers of most parrot species, including budgerigars, contain both a black type of "melanin" named "eumelanin" along with a basic yellow pigment named psittacofulvin (psittacin for short). Some other parrot species produces a third pigment named advanced-psittacin which enables colour & tones ranging