What are colored compounds produced by the metabolism of organisms called?

The term for colored compounds produced by the metabolism of organisms is "pigments." Pigments are essential biological molecules that absorb light and can be involved in processes such as photosynthesis, protection against UV light, and even attracting pollinators. They are responsible for the various colors seen in plants, animals, and microorganisms.

For example, in plants, chlorophyll is the pigment responsible for capturing light energy during photosynthesis, while carotenoids are another class of pigments that contribute to the colors of many fruits and vegetables. However, “pigments” is a broader category that encompasses a variety of colored metabolites, including both chlorophylls and carotenoids, among others. Therefore, referring to these compounds simply as pigments is accurate because it includes all types of coloring agents produced by metabolic processes across different organisms.