Carotenoids in Algae: Distributions, Biosyntheses and Functions
2011

Carotenoids in Algae: Distributions, Biosyntheses and Functions

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Takaichi Shinichi

Primary Institution: Nippon Medical School

Conclusion

The review summarizes the distribution, biosynthesis, and functions of carotenoids in various algal species.

Supporting Evidence

  • More than 750 structurally defined carotenoids are reported from various organisms including algae.
  • Carotenoids can serve as chemotaxonomic markers for different algal divisions.
  • Algae-specific carotenogenesis pathways and enzymes are still largely unknown.

Takeaway

Algae make different types of pigments called carotenoids, which help them with photosynthesis and can be used to tell different types of algae apart.

Methodology

This is a review article summarizing existing research on carotenoids in algae.

Limitations

Some carotenoids were not identified due to insufficient analysis, and some algal names were updated based on new taxonomic developments.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/md9061101

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