Phycobiliproteins are water-soluble proteins present in cyanobacteria and certain algae (rhodophytes, cryptomonads, glaucocystophytes) that capture light energy, which is then passed on to chlorophylls during photosynthesis. Phycobiliproteins are formed of a complex between proteins and  covalently bound phycobilins that act as chromophores (the light-capturing part). They are most important constituents of the phycobilisomes.