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Carotenoid Distribution in Nature

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Carotenoids in Nature

Part of the book series: Subcellular Biochemistry ((SCBI,volume 79))

Abstract

Carotenoids are naturally occurring red, orange and yellow pigments that are synthesized by plants and some microorganisms and fulfill many important physiological functions. This chapter describes the distribution of carotenoid in microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, microalgae, filamentous fungi and yeasts. We will also focus on their functional aspects and applications, such as their nutritional value, their benefits for human and animal health and their potential protection against free radicals. The central metabolic pathway leading to the synthesis of carotenoids is described as the three following principal steps: (i) the synthesis of isopentenyl pyrophosphate and the formation of dimethylallyl pyrophosphate, (ii) the synthesis of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate and (iii) the synthesis of carotenoids per se, highlighting the differences that have been found in several carotenogenic organisms and providing an evolutionary perspective. Finally, as an example, the synthesis of the xanthophyll astaxanthin is discussed.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by Fondecyt grant 11121200 and INACH grant RG_07-12 to JA, Fondecyt grant 1130333 to MB and Fondecyt grant 1140504 to VC.

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  1. Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago, 7800003, Chile

    Jennifer Alcaíno, Marcelo Baeza & Víctor Cifuentes

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  1. Jennifer Alcaíno
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  2. Marcelo Baeza
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  3. Víctor Cifuentes
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Correspondence to Jennifer Alcaíno .

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  1. Centro de Biología Molecular Vegetal, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile

    Claudia Stange

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Alcaíno, J., Baeza, M., Cifuentes, V. (2016). Carotenoid Distribution in Nature. In: Stange, C. (eds) Carotenoids in Nature. Subcellular Biochemistry, vol 79. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39126-7_1

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