What substance in vacuoles gives color to plant cells?

Vacuoles in plant cells often contain various pigments that contribute to the coloration of plant tissues, and one significant group of pigments found in these vacuoles is anthocyanins. These water-soluble pigments can appear red, purple, or blue, depending on the pH of the surrounding environment, and they play a vital role in attracting pollinators, repelling herbivores, and providing protection against UV light and oxidative stress.

While chloroplasts are responsible for the green coloration in plants due to chlorophyll, they are not found in the vacuoles and, therefore, do not contribute to the color derived from vacuolar contents. Plant hormones, on the other hand, are crucial for growth and development but do not play a direct role in pigmentation. Starch granules are carbohydrate storage forms and do not provide coloration; they are typically colorless or white. Thus, anthocyanins are the correct answer as they are specifically the pigments located within vacuoles that give plant cells their diverse colors.