In zoology, a chromatophore is a cell containing pigment in the form of granules in its cytoplasm. In many vertebrates (for example, the chameleon and frog) and crustaceans, rapidly changing concentration or dispersion of the pigment granules within the cell alters the color of the animal.

 

In prokaryotic organisms, chromoplasts are membrane-bounded vesicles (thylakoids) bearing photosynthetic pigments.

 

In botany, chromatophore is a chromoplast.