**4. Recent advances in the role of flavonoids**

Plant metabolites containing one oxygenated ring and two aromatic rings are known as flavonoids. Flavonoids are categorized depending on the degree of oxidation of their carbon rings; they can then undergo glycosylations, hydroxylations, acylations, methylations, or prenylations to modify their properties. As a result of these modifications, a new emergence of a huge number of different chemicals with varied functions in plants has occurred. UV wavelengths absorb all flavonoids, which are mostly present in the epidermis of plant cells and are produced in response to UV exposure. As a result, it has been proposed that they shield plants from this type of radiation. Anthocyanins, which absorb light in the visible range, are an example of flavonoids that absorb light at various wavelengths. Furthermore, certain flavonoids have antioxidant properties, which implies they serve as reactive oxygen species scavengers. However, most findings to date have remained based on in vitro studies, with little indication of how their functions are carried out in real life. In this assessment, we discuss recent advances in the study of the role of flavonols, flavones, and anthocyanins, three of the most prevalent flavonoids, in protecting plants from UV and high light exposure [22].
