Biological pigments in living organisms are used to capture energy from photons, that then go on to perform a specific task.

Chlorophyll, Retinal, and Melanin all absorb certain wavelengths of light and are produced in biosynthetic pathways.

Chlorophyll is found in plant cells and is used to absorb photons that creates energy and drives photosynthesis. Retinal is found in the eye and is used in visual photoreception. Melanin is found in skin, hair, and eye color; it absorbs ultraviolet radiation to protect DNA.