Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Flower coloration is primarily determined by vacuolar plant pigments called flavonoids, carotenoids, and chlorophylls.
Among these, anthocyanins (a subclass of flavonoids) are responsible for most red, pink, purple, and blue colors in flowers.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us review the pigments and the colors they produce:
Pelargonidin: This is an anthocyanidin pigment that produces bright red, orange-red, and scarlet colors in flowers like geraniums and pelargoniums. Thus, (A) is incorrect.
Lycopene: This is a tetraterpene carotenoid pigment responsible for the bright red color of tomato fruits and watermelon, but it is not typically responsible for blue flower coloration. Thus, (B) is incorrect.
Delphinidin: This is an anthocyanidin pigment characterized by three hydroxyl groups on the B-ring of its chemical structure.
This structure allows it to absorb light in a way that produces deep purple, violet, and blue colors in flowers (such as delphinium, viola, and petunias). Thus, (C) is the correct pigment.
Lutein: This is a xanthophyll carotenoid pigment responsible for bright yellow and orange colors in flowers like marigold. Thus, (D) is incorrect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Delphinidin is the pigment responsible for the blue color of flowers, which corresponds to option (C).