Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the specific natural pigment that gives ripe tomatoes their characteristic red color.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
This question tests knowledge of plant pigments. The approach is to understand the colors associated with different types of pigments found in fruits and vegetables.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Plant colors are determined by various pigments.
(C) Lycopene: This is a bright red carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons, and papayas. It is the principal pigment responsible for the deep red color of ripe tomatoes.
Let's review the other pigments:
(A) Chlorophyll: This is the pigment that gives plants their green color and is involved in photosynthesis.
(B) Carotene (specifically Beta-carotene): This is an orange-colored pigment found abundantly in carrots.
(D) Xanthophyll: This is a pigment that produces a yellow color.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The primary pigment causing the red color in tomatoes is Lycopene. Therefore, option (C) is correct.